The biochemical and growth-associated traits of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) affected by silver nanoparticles and silver

Abstract

Background The biochemical and growth changes resulting from exposure of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) seedlings to silver nanoparticles and silver were investigated. Over a two-week period, seedlings were exposed to different concentrations (0, 40, and 80 ppm) of silver nanoparticles and silver. Results Our findings revealed that at concentrations of 40 and 80 ppm, both silver nanoparticles and silver nitrate led to decreased weight, root and shoot length, as well as chlorophyll a and b content. Conversely, these treatments triggered an increase in key biochemical properties, such as total phenols, carotenoids and anthocyanins, with silver nanoparticles showing a more pronounced effect compared to silver nitrate. Moreover, the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) rose proportionally with treatment concentration, with the nanoparticle treatment exhibiting a more substantial increase. Silver content showed a significant upswing in both roots and leaves as treatment concentrations increased. Conclusions Application of varying concentrations of silver nanoparticles and silver nitrate on basil plants resulted in reduced growth and lower chlorophyll content, while simultaneously boosting the production of antioxidant compounds. Notably, anthocyanin, carotenoid, and total phenol increased significantly. However, despite this increase in antioxidant activity, the plant remained unable to fully mitigate the oxidative stress induced by silver and silver nanoparticles.

Beneficial role of Coronatine on the morphological and physiological responses of Cress Plants (Lepidium sativum) exposed to Silver Nanoparticle

“…Several studies suggest that the harmful effects of silver nanoparticles on plants may be caused by: (i) excessive production of ROS by redox cycling; (ii) size dependent mechanical damage of nanoparticles (Jiravova et al 2016 ; Amooaghaie et al 2018 ); (iii) oxidation of silver nanoparticles and produced silver ions (Shahraki et al 2024 ).…”

“…The purchased silver nanoparticles, utilized in powder form, had an average reported size of 20 nanometers according to the manufacturer’s information (US Research Nanomaterial, Inc., 3302 Twig Leaf Lane, Houston, TX 77,084, USA). The size of nanoparticles was confirmed by scanning electron microscope (Model JSM 6390LV, JOEL, USA) and showed that the nanoparticles were homogeneous (Shahraki et al 2024 ). Following this experimental phase, the plants were harvested for further evaluation.…”