Insight into carbohydrate metabolism, protein quantification and mineral regulation in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) by the action of green synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) against heat stress.

In the present investigation, the role of GS-AgNPs treatment in wheat plants was carried out in reducing heat stress with the aim of facilitating scientists on this topic. The effect of GS-AgNPs against heat stress has rarely been deliberated in wheat plants, and only a few studies have been established earlier in this scenario. This work illustrated the effect of GS-AgNPs on the regulation of carbohydrates metabolism, SOD, proteins, crude fibers, and minerals changes in wheat plants. Data were analysed using PCA analysis, correlation parameters, and normal probability distribution in PAST 3 software. The results indicated that heat stress alone caused severe changes in carbohydrates metabolism, SOD, proteins, crude fibers, and minerals immediately so that plants could not recover without foreign stabilizers such as GS-AgNPs. The application of GS-AgNPs increases the flux of carbohydrates metabolism, SOD, and proteins, including HSPs, crude fibers, and minerals, in wheat plants to reduce the effect of heat stress. The 50 mg/l concentration of GS-AgNPs has shown an increase in carbohydrates metabolism and SOD activity, while crude fibres have shown a significant enhancement at 100 mg/l of GS-AgNPs. The crude and true proteins were also shown pronounced increase in treatment to a concentration of 50 mg/l of GS-AgNPs. GS-AgNPs stimulated HSP production; most importantly, smHSP production was observed in the present results with other HSPs in wheat plants treated with a 50 mg/l concentration of GS-AgNPs. The mineral distribution was also regulated by the respective treatment of GS-AgNPs, and the highest amounts of Ca, P and Fe were found to be highest in wheat under heat stress. In general, we computed the expected model based on GS-AgNPs on the genes/factors that respond to heat stress and their potential role in mitigating heat stress in wheat. In addition, we discussed the prospective signalling pathway triggered by GS-AgNPs in wheat against heat stress. In the future, this work might be helpful in distinguishing the genetic variation due to GS-AgNPs in promoting tolerance in wheat against heat stress.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Sono-Microwave Assisted Chlorine free and Ionic Liquid (SMACIL) extraction of cellulose from Urtica dioica: A benign to green approach.

The extraction of cellulose using eco-friendly solvents has been gaining significant attention for a couple of decades. This study investigated the impact of benign and green solvents on the extraction, thermal stability, mechanical properties, and crystallinity of cellulose extracted from Urtica dioica (Stinging nettle) using a Sono-Microwave Assisted Chlorine free and Ionic Liquid (SMACIL) extraction technique. In this regard, the stalks were undergone through pre chemical treatment before starting bleaching them with hydrogen peroxide (HPO) and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate (BMIM-Ac) having different mole ratios (5, 7.5, and 10) to expose cellulose. The Urtica dioica cellulose (UDC) was characterized using FTIR, tensile testing, FESEM, XRD, and TGA. The fibrillation and lumen can be seen in SEM images that confirm the extraction of cellulose. The results showed that the BMIM-Ac-10 gives the maximum cellulose yield (88 %) than other compositions. Moreover, the cellulose extracted using BMIM-Ac-10 has high mechanical strength which makes it a potential constituent for various applications in the field of materials science. These results have significant implications for the development of sustainable and efficient processes for the extraction of cellulose.

Integrated multi-omic analysis reveals the cytokinin and sucrose metabolism-mediated regulation of flavone glycoside biosynthesis by MeJA exposure in Ficus pandurata Hance.

Ficus pandurata Hance (FPH) holds a rich history as a traditional Chinese botanical remedy, utilized both as a culinary condiment and a medicinal intervention for diverse ailments. This study focuses on enhancing FPH's therapeutic potential by subjecting it to exogenous methyl jasmonate (MeJA) treatment, a strategy aimed at elevating the levels of active constituents to align with clinical and commercial requirements. Employing metabolomics, the impact of MeJA treatment on the lipid and flavonoid profiles of FPH leaves was investigated, revealing a marked increase in flavone glycosides, a subset of flavonoids. Investigation into the regulatory mechanism governing flavone glycoside biosynthesis uncovered elevated expression of structural genes associated with flavonoid production in response to MeJA exposure. Global endogenous hormone analysis pinpointed the selective activation of JA and cytokinin biosynthesis following MeJA treatment. Through a comprehensive integration of transcriptomic and metabolomic data, the cooperative stimulation of glucosyltransferase activity, alongside the JA and cytokinin signaling pathways, orchestrated by MeJA were explored. Furthermore, genes linked to sucrose metabolism exhibited heightened expression, concomitant with a noteworthy surge in antioxidant activity subsequent to MeJA treatment. These findings validate the augmentation of FPH leaf antioxidant capacity through MeJA intervention, while also offering profound insights into the regulatory role of MeJA in flavone glycoside biosynthesis, mediated by the interplay between cytokinin and sucrose metabolism pathways.

Synthesis of a 2D copper(II)-carboxylate framework having ultrafast adsorption of organic dyes.

Two-dimensional (2D) coordination polymers are very interesting materials for their attractive applications. A novel 2D metal-organic framework (MOF) was derived from copper(II) and amino benzoic acid under both room temperature and solvothermal reaction conditions using different solvents. From both of the synthesis methods, an identical MOF was crystalized with monoclinic crystal system having P21/c space group. Hirshfeld surface analysis is carried out to explore the non-covalent interactions obtained from single crystal XRD investigation in terms of percentage contribution of each interatomic contact involved in packing of molecules into MOF structure. The microstructure analysis and surface morphology studies revealed the 2D layered regular pattern of rhombus disks of ~5 µm thickness throng together via clustering of these rhombic shaped flakes as flowers (ranging 50-100 µm in size) having uniform elemental composition. This 2D MOF efficiently adsorbed organic dyes (methylene blue, methyl orange, and methyl red) from their aqueous solutions. The 2D copper-carboxylate framework (1.2 g/L) exhibited high adsorption rates for organic dyes (0.15-0.19 mM), and >90% of these dyes could be captured as soon as they are exposed to MOF suspension (1 min) in each case. The dye removal efficiency is credited to synergy among structure, ionic strength, shapes and dimensions of dyes with respect to MOF structure. The microstructure of MOF along with electronic interactions like electrostatic, hydrogen bonding, π-π interactions and coordination to open metal sites, might contribute to the ultrafast dye adsorption process by MOF. The adsorption phenomenon is spontaneous and followed the pseudo-second order kinetic mechanism. DFT calculations revealed important electronic parameters of the dyes and model MOF systems, and novel insights with respect to possible dye-MOF interactions. The MOF remained quite stable during the dye adsorption and was regenerated easily for the successful subsequent use.

Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Morphophysiological Effects, and Proteomic Responses of Crop Plants.

Plant cells are frequently challenged with a wide range of adverse environmental conditions that restrict plant growth and limit the productivity of agricultural crops. Rapid development of nanotechnology and unsystematic discharge of metal containing nanoparticles (NPs) into the environment pose a serious threat to the ecological receptors including plants. Engineered nanoparticles are synthesized by physical, chemical, biological, or hybrid methods. In addition, volcanic eruption, mechanical grinding of earthquake-generating faults in Earth's crust, ocean spray, and ultrafine cosmic dust are the natural source of NPs in the atmosphere. Untying the nature of plant interactions with NPs is fundamental for assessing their uptake and distribution, as well as evaluating phytotoxicity. Modern mass spectrometry-based proteomic techniques allow precise identification of low abundant proteins, protein-protein interactions, and in-depth analyses of cellular signaling networks. The present review highlights current understanding of plant responses to NPs exploiting high-throughput proteomics techniques. Synthesis of NPs, their morphophysiological effects on crops, and applications of proteomic techniques, are discussed in details to comprehend the underlying mechanism of NPs stress acclimation.

Comparative analysis of oil composition and antibacterial activity of aerial parts of Terminalia arjuna (Roxb.).

Volatile oil composition of leaves and fruits of Terminalia arjuna (Roxb.) was reported for the first time. Oils were extracted by microwave assisted hydrodistillation where yield of both oils were found to be 0.20% and their GC-MS analyses led to the identification of 65 and 48 constituents, respectively. Major constituents of leaves were carvacrol (11.17%), thymol (6.52%), α-terpinyl acetate (5.92%) and anethole (5.13%) while that of fruits were (E)-isoeugenol (11.48%), furfural (8.25%), p-vinylguaiacol (6.8%) and p-ethylguaiacol (5.72%) that demonstrated a significant difference between composition of its aerial parts, however, 33 constituents were identical that showed similarity characteristics in quality of these oils. Both leaf and fruit oils were found active against pathogenic and drug-resistant microbes: E. coli, Methicillin-resistant S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, Total-drug-resistant P. aeruginosa and K. pneumoniae with MIC values of 0.32, 0.32, 0.64, 0.64, 2.56 mg/mL and 0.16, 0.16, 0.32, 0.64, 1.28 mg/mL, respectively.

Proteomic Analysis of the Effect of Inorganic and Organic Chemicals on Silver Nanoparticles in Wheat.

Production and utilization of nanoparticles (NPs) are increasing due to their positive and stimulating effects on biological systems. Silver (Ag) NPs improve seed germination, photosynthetic efficiency, plant growth, and antimicrobial activities. In this study, the effects of chemo-blended Ag NPs on wheat were investigated using the gel-free/label-free proteomic technique. Morphological analysis revealed that chemo-blended Ag NPs resulted in the increase of shoot length, shoot fresh weight, root length, and root fresh weight. Proteomic analysis indicated that proteins related to photosynthesis and protein synthesis were increased, while glycolysis, signaling, and cell wall related proteins were decreased. Proteins related to redox and mitochondrial electron transport chain were also decreased. Glycolysis associated proteins such as glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase increased as well as decreased, while phosphoenol pyruvate carboxylase was decreased. Antioxidant enzyme activities such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase were promoted in response to the chemo-blended Ag NPs. These results suggested that chemo-blended Ag NPs promoted plant growth and development through regulation of energy metabolism by suppression of glycolysis. Number of grains/spike, 100-grains weight, and yield of wheat were stimulated with chemo-blended Ag NPs. Morphological study of next generational wheat plants depicted normal growth, and no toxic effects were observed. Therefore, morphological, proteomic, yield, and next generation results revealed that chemo-blended Ag NPs may promote plant growth and development through alteration in plant metabolism.

In vitro seed germination and biochemical profiling of Artemisia absinthium exposed to various metallic nanoparticles.

In the recent years, nanotechnology has attained much attention in the every field of science. The synthesis, characterisation and applications of metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) have become an important branch of nanotechnology. In the current study, MNPs were synthesised through polyols process and applied in vitro to study their effect on medicinally important plant : Artemisia absinthium. The current study strives to check the effect of MNPs, i.e., Ag, Cu and Au on seed germination, root and shoot length, seedling vigour index (SVI) and biochemical profiling in A. absinthium. The seeds were inoculated on MS medium supplemented with various combinations of MNPs suspension. The seed germination was greatly influenced upon the application of MNPs and was recorded highest for the silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) suspensions. The best result for seed germination (98.6%) was obtained in MS medium supplemented with AgNPs as compared to control (92.9%) and other nanoparticles, i.e., copper (69.6%) and gold (56.5%), respectively, after 35 days of inoculation. Significant results were obtained for root length, shoot length and SVI in response to application of AgNPs as compared to copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). These nanoparticles (NPs) could induce stress in plants by deploying the endogenous mechanism. In response to these stresses, plants produce various defence compounds. Total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were significant in the MS medium supplemented with AgNPs as compared to other NPs, while DPPH radical scavenging assay (RSA) was highest in AuNPs treated plantlets. The MNPs showed higher toxicity level and enhanced secondary metabolites production, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, antioxidant activity, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and total protein content.

Proteomic and physiological analyses of wheat seeds exposed to copper and iron nanoparticles.

To elucidate the role of Cu and Fe NPs on the yield of wheat varieties, a gel-free proteomic technique was used. NPs were synthesized and characterized through zeta potential, EDX, and SEM. Spike length, number of grains per spike, and 1000 grain weight were increased in wheat varieties treated with 25ppm Cu and Fe NPs. On treatment with 25ppm Cu and Fe NPs, a total of 58, 121, and 25 proteins were changed in abundance in wheat seeds of galaxy-13, Pakistan-13, and NARC-11, respectively. In galaxy-13, exposure to Cu NPs increased proteins involved in starch degradation and glycolysis. Furthermore, the number of proteins related to starch degradation, glycolysis, and tricarboxylic acid cycle was increased in galaxy-13 on Fe NPs exposure. Proteins related to glycolysis and the tricarboxylic acid cycle was increased in Pakistan-13 and NARC-11 by Fe NPs exposure. The sugar content and SOD activity was increased in wheat seeds treated with Cu and Fe NPs. The Cu content was increased at 25ppm Cu NPs exposure in seeds of wheat varieties. These results suggest that Cu NPs improved stress tolerance in wheat varieties by mediating the process of starch degradation, glycolysis, and tricarboxylic acid cycle through NPs uptake.

Gel-free/label-free proteomic analysis of wheat shoot in stress tolerant varieties under iron nanoparticles exposure.

Iron nanoparticles (Fe NPs) have stimulatory effects on the germination ratio and plant growth of wheat. To elucidate the effects of Fe NPs on shoot of drought tolerant Pakistan-13 and salt tolerant NARC-11, a gel-free/label-free proteomic technique was used. The weights/lengths of seedling, shoot, and root of wheat varieties were increased on 5ppm Fe NPs exposure. The number of proteins related to photosynthesis and protein metabolism was decreased and increased in drought tolerant variety and salt tolerant variety, respectively, treated with Fe NPs compared to untreated plants. Differentially changed proteins in drought tolerant variety and salt tolerant variety were mainly related to photosynthesis. Out of photosynthesis related proteins, light reaction was enhanced in salt tolerant variety compared to drought tolerant variety on Fe NPs exposure. The abundance of ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase small chain in drought tolerant variety was higher than that in salt tolerant variety; however, in salt tolerant variety, it was increased 3 fold by Fe NPs exposure compared to untreated plant. These results suggest that Fe NPs improve the growth of wheat seedling, which might be associated with the increase of protein abundance in photosynthesis in salt tolerant variety.

Quantitative proteomic analysis of post-flooding recovery in soybean root exposed to aluminum oxide nanoparticles.

UNLABELLED: Aluminum oxide nanoparticles (Al2O3 NPs) are used in various commercial and agricultural products. Soybean exhibits severe reduction in growth under flooding condition. To examine the effects of Al2O3 NPs on the recovery of soybean from flooding, proteomic analysis was performed. Survival percentage and weight/length of root including hypocotyl were improved after 2 and 4days of flooding with 50ppm Al2O3 NPs leading to recovery as compared to flooding. A total of 211 common proteins were changed in abundance during the recovery period after treatment without or with Al2O3 NPs. These proteins were related to protein synthesis, stress, cell wall, and signaling. Among the identified stress-related proteins, S-adenosyl-l-methionine dependent methyltransferases were recovered from flooding with Al2O3 NPs. Hierarchical clustering divided the identified proteins into three clusters. Cluster II exhibited the greatest change in proteins related to protein synthesis, transport, and development during the recovery from flooding with Al2O3 NPs. However, activity of enolase remained unchanged during flooding leading to subsequent recovery with Al2O3 NPs. These results suggest that S-adenosyl-l-methionine dependent methyltransferases and enolase might be involved in mediating recovery responses by Al2O3 NPs. BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This study highlighted the role of Al2O3 NPs in recovery of soybean seedlings from flooding stress using gel-free proteomic technique. The key findings of this study are as follows: (i) survival percentage was enhanced at 50ppm Al2O3 NPs during the recovery stage; (ii) seedling weight and weight/length of root including hypocotyl improved at 50ppm Al2O3 NPs during the period of recovery; (iii) protein synthesis and stress related proteins were increased on recovery after flooding without or with Al2O3 NPs; (iv) the abundance of S-adenosyl-l-methionine dependent methyltransferases recovered from flooding with Al2O3 NPs; (v) glycolysis related proteins amplified under flooding with Al2O3 NPs; (vi) enolase enzyme remained unchanged during flooding leading to subsequent recovery from flooding with Al2O3 NPs. Collectively, these results suggest that S-adenosyl-l-methionine dependent methyltransferases and enolase are involved in response to flooding with Al2O3 NPs and might be helpful in recovery from flooding stress.

Development of a liquid chromatographic method based on ultraviolet-visible and electrospray ionization mass spectrometric detection for the identification of nitrocatechols and related tracers in biomass burning atmospheric organic aerosol.

RATIONALE: Studying the chemical composition of biomass burning aerosol (BBA) is very important in order to assess their impact on the climate and the biosphere. In the present study, we focus on the characterization of some newly recognized biomass burning aerosol tracers including methyl nitrocatechols, nitroguaiacols and 4-nitrocatechol, but also on nitrophenols, methyl nitrophenols and nitrosalicylic acids, using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. METHODS: For the purpose of their separation and detection in atmospheric aerosol, a new chromatographic method was initially developed based on reversed-phase chromatography coupled with ultraviolet/visible (UV/Vis) detection. The method was afterwards transferred to a liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization linear ion trap mass spectrometry (LC/ESI-LITMS) system in order to identify the targeted analytes in winter aerosol from the city of Maribor, Slovenia, using their chromatographic retention times and characteristic (-)ESI product ion (MS(2) ) spectra. RESULTS: The fragmentation patterns of analytes obtained with LITMS are presented. Additional nitro-aromatic compounds (m/z 168 and 182) closely related to the targeted nitrocatechols and nitroguaiacols were detected in the aerosol. According to their MS(2) spectra these compounds could be attributed to methyl homologues of methyl nitrocatechols and nitroguaiacols. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed LC/MS method results in a better separation and specificity for the targeted analytes. Several nitro-aromatic compounds were detected in urban BBA. The LC/MS peak intensity of the newly detected methyl nitrocatechols and nitroguaiacols is comparable to that of the methyl nitrocatechols, which also qualifies them as suitable molecular tracers for secondary biomass burning aerosol.

Mass spectrometric characterization of isomeric terpenoic acids from the oxidation of α-pinene, ß-pinene, d-limonene, and Δ3-carene in fine forest aerosol.

In this study, we present liquid chromatographic and mass spectral data for predominant terpenoic acids formed through oxidation of α-pinene, ß-pinene, d-limonene, and Δ(3)-carene that occur in fine forest aerosol from K-puszta, Hungary, a rural site with coniferous vegetation. Characterization of these secondary organic aerosol tracers in fine ambient aerosol is important because it allows one to gain information on monoterpene precursors and source processes such as oxidation and aging processes. The mass spectral data were obtained using electrospray ionization in the negative ion mode, accurate mass measurements, and linear ion trap tandem mass spectrometric experiments. Emphasis is given to the mass spectrometric differentiation of isobaric terpenoic acids, such as, e.g. the molecular weight (MW) 186 terpenoic acids, cis-pinic, cis-caric, homoterpenylic, ketolimononic, and limonic acids. Other targeted isobaric terpenoic acids are the MW 184 terpenoic acids, cis-pinonic and cis-caronic acids, and the MW 204 tricarboxylic acids, 3-methyl-1,2,3-butanetricarboxylic and 3-carboxyheptanedioic acids. Fragmentation pathways are proposed to provide a rational explanation for the observed isomeric differences and/or to support the suggested tentative structures. For the completeness of the data set, data obtained for recently reported lactone-containing terpenoic acids (i.e. terpenylic and terebic acids), related or isobaric compounds (i.e. norpinic acid, diaterpenylic acid acetate, and unknown MW 188 compounds) are also included, the rationale being that other groups working on this topic could use this data compilation as a reference.