Nanoparticles Alter Secondary Metabolism in Plants via ROS Burst

Abstract

The particles within the size range of 1 and 100 nm are known as nanoparticles (NPs). NP-containing wastes released from household, industrial and medical products are emerging as a new threat to the environment. Plants, being fixed to the two major environmental sinks where NPs accumulate — namely water and soil, cannot escape the impact of nanopollution. Recent studies have shown that plant growth, development and physiology are significantly affected by NPs. But, the effect of NPs on plant secondary metabolism is still obscure. The induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) following interactions with NPs has been observed consistently across plant species. Taking into account the existing link between ROS and secondary signaling messengers that lead to transcriptional regulation of secondary metabolism, in this perspective we put forward the argument that ROS induced in plants upon their interaction with NPs will likely interfere with plant secondary metabolism. As plant secondary metabolites play vital roles in plant performance, communication, and adaptation, a comprehensive understanding of plant secondary metabolism in response to NPs is an utmost priority.

Modulation of callus growth and secondary metabolites in different Thymus species and Zataria multiflora micropropagated under ZnO nanoparticles stress

“…Nanotechnology has increasingly entered various areas of plant biotechnology and has enormous applications in the fields of food, cosmetics, and medicine . Nanoparticles (NPs) are potent chemical elicitors as signaling agents that effect a great diversity of physiological and biochemical processes in plant metabolism and plant secondary metabolites production . NPs are capable of increasing cell membrane permeability, stimulating defensive mechanisms in plant cells, and subsequent increase in secondary metabolites content .…”

“…Nanoparticles (NPs) are potent chemical elicitors as signaling agents that effect a great diversity of physiological and biochemical processes in plant metabolism and plant secondary metabolites production . NPs are capable of increasing cell membrane permeability, stimulating defensive mechanisms in plant cells, and subsequent increase in secondary metabolites content . Zinc oxide (ZnO) NPs as an inorganic micronutrient have a beneficial effect on plant growth, cell division, and structure and function of membrane because of their high electron mobility, large surface area, and catalytic activity .…”

“…Zinc oxide (ZnO) NPs as an inorganic micronutrient have a beneficial effect on plant growth, cell division, and structure and function of membrane because of their high electron mobility, large surface area, and catalytic activity . Most of the recent studies are focused on the effects of NPs on seed germination , plant growth rate physiological responses , and secondary metabolites production . Recent studies have shown that plant growth, development, and physiology are significantly affected by NPs; however, their role on plant secondary metabolism, especially regarding callus culture, is still obscure .…”

“…Most of the recent studies are focused on the effects of NPs on seed germination , plant growth rate physiological responses , and secondary metabolites production . Recent studies have shown that plant growth, development, and physiology are significantly affected by NPs; however, their role on plant secondary metabolism, especially regarding callus culture, is still obscure . The inclusion of NPs to tissue culture media could enhance the morphogenetic potential of explants , somaclonal variation , and changes the content of bioactive compounds .…”

“…Despite the insights achieved through some previous studies about the application of NPs in biology, the usage of NPs in plant cell and tissue culture is limited to NPs production from callus extraction . Enhancing the contents of important bioactive molecules are major aspects of Thymus biotechnology.…”