Impact of silver nanoparticles on secondary metabolite composition and toxicity in anise (Pimpinella anisum L.) callus culture.

BACKGROUND: There are numerous challenges associated with producing desired amounts of secondary metabolites (SMs), which are mostly unique and cannot be chemically synthesized. Many studies indicate that nanoparticles (NPs) can boost the production of SMs. Still, the precise manner in which NPs induce metabolic changes remains unidentified. This study examines the influence of eco-friendly silver NPs (AgNPs) on the chemical makeup and toxicity of Pimpinella anisum L. (anise). RESULTS: AgNPs were introduced into anise callus cultures at different concentrations (0, 1.0, 5.0, 10, and 20 mg/L). The induced oxidative stress was tracked over intervals of 7, 14, 28, and 35 days. Chemical composition evaluations were carried out on the 35th day. Within the first 14 days, plant stress was evident, though the plant adapted to the stress later on. Notably, the plant showed high tolerance at 1 mg/L and 5 mg/L concentrations despite increased toxicity levels. However, relatively high toxicity levels were identified at 10 and 20 mg/L. The AgNP-induced stress significantly impacted anise SMs, particularly affecting fatty acid content. In the 10 and 20 mg/L AgNP groups, essential metabolites, including palmitic and linoleic acid, showed a significant increase. Polyunsaturated (omega) and monounsaturated fatty acids, vital for the food and pharmaceutical industries, saw substantial growth in the 1 and 5 mg/L AgNP groups. For the first time, vanillyl alcohol and 4-Hydroxybenzoic acid were detected along with various phenolic compounds, such as t-anethole, Salicylic acid, and Thiamazole. CONCLUSION: AgNPs can function as an elicitor to efficiently generate essential SMs such as omegas and phenolic compounds in anise callus culture. This study explores the application of AgNPs as plant elicitors in anise SM production, offering invaluable insight into potential uses.

Effect of Breast Milk Calcium and Fluidity on Breast Cancer Cells: An In Vitro Cell Culture Study.

AIM: The aims of this study were to investigate the effects of calcium at the same concentration as that found in human milk on the viability, proliferation, and adhesion of MCF-7 human breast ductal carcinoma cells by exposing them to calcium at the same frequency as in breastfeeding. MATERIALS AND METHODS: High-concentration calcium was applied for 30 minutes every 4 hours for 24, 48, and 72 hours. Cell proliferation and viability were measured using a hemocytometer and the MTT cell viability assay. The effects of calcium treatment were evaluated by a comparison among a multiple-, single-dose calcium treatment, and a control group. RESULTS: We show that calcium at the same concentration as that in milk caused a decrease in the number of cells but did not affect cell viability. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that calcium caused a lowering of the number of cells from the luminal surface of the breast by triggering proliferation under the condition of fluidity. Calcium and fluidity together serve to eliminate breast cancer stem cells during the lactation period. Effects of the other components of milk can be analyzed by the new method developed in this study.