Dose- and Application-Dependent Effects of Biogenic Selenium Nanoparticles on Germination, Growth, and Antioxidant Response of Capsicum annuum L.

Effect of selenium nanoparticles-supplemented INRA96 extender on Turkmen stallion sperm quality and lipid peroxidation during storage at 5°C

Background: Klebsiella pneumoniae is a multidrug-resistant bacterium frequently isolated from urinary tract infections. One of its key resistance mechanisms is the efflux pump gene oqxA, which helps expel antibiotics from the cell. Aim: This study aimed to assess the antibacterial effect of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) synthesized using Probiotic bacteria Bacillus subtilis, and to evaluate their impact on oqxA gene expression in K. pneumoniae isolates. Methods: Thirty-four clinical isolates were collected from urine samples and confirmed as K. pneumoniae using biochemical testing and the VITEK 2 system. SeNPs were biologically synthesized and characterized using UV-Vis, FTIR, SEM, TEM, AFM, and XRD. Tests for antibacterial activities were conducted utilizing agar diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays. We used real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) to assess oqxA gene expression both before and after subjecting the cells to SeNPs. Findings: As the concentration of SeNPs was increased, the outcomes demonstrated a definite antibacterial action. A range of 250 to 1000 µg/mL were the MIC values. SeNP therapy significantly decreased expression for oqxA , according to RT-qPCR data. Conclusions: Biosynthesis SeNPs showed promise as a supplementary approach against drug resistance K. pneumoniae due to their powerful antibacterial characteristics and marked reduction of efflux pumps gene activities.

The yield and concentration of secondary metabolites (SMs) in plants can vary due to numerous challenges such as dynamic environmental conditions, moisture, soil quality, soil organic matter and plant genetics. To obtain a good yield of SMs novel elicitation approaches, such as the use of biotic and abiotic stressors, genetic modifications, and optimized growth conditions, have been practiced, particularly the use of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) and light emitting diode (LED) interaction through employing tissue culture technique. In the present study, in vitro callus cultures of sandalwood (Santalum album L.) were subjected to elicitation with different concentrations of SeNPs with doses of 30 µg/L, 60 µg/L, and 90 µg/L in combination with green (∼550 nm), red (∼660 nm) and blue (∼460 nm) LED lights. Interaction of these treatments produced 16 treatments replicated three times in 48 test tubes. The results were analysed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey’s HSD test. The study revealed that synergistic interaction between SeNPs and LED light wavelengths significantly enhanced callus growth and secondary metabolite (SM) production eliciting callus cultures with blue LED light and a dose of 90 µg/L SeNPs resulted in an increase in callus growth including fresh weight, dry weight, and the number of shoot branches per callus. This combined treatment positively influenced the functions of major bioactive antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT) and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL). Furthermore, the concentrations of essential secondary metabolites, including total phenolic, total saponins, casein/BSA/PVPP-bound tannins, flavan-3-ols, and tocopherols experienced substantial elevation under the synergistic influence of SeNPs and LED light conditions. The sandalwood plants produced through the callus culturing technique using optimized SeNPs and LED lights show an enhanced yield of secondary metabolites, which will be very useful and potential for pharmaceutical, cosmetic and various other industries to discover and develop novel products.

Huanglongbing disease (HLB) is the most severe citrus disease destroying Citrus reticulata L. 'Kinnow', the most commonly grown mandarin in Pakistan. It is caused by Candidatus Liberibacter bacterial species and it spreads through the sucking Asian citrus psyllid insect. The current study was designed to investigate the potential impact of plant extract mediated selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) on antioxidant defense system, fruit quality and protein regulation in the fruits of HLB-infected 'Kinnow' mandarin plants. Garlic cloves extract was used as reducing and capping agent for the synthesis of SeNPs. Various concentrations of SeNPs (25, 50, 75, and 100 mg L-1) were exogeneously applied to HLB-positive citrus plants. SeNPs at the concentration of 75 mg L-1 affected positively fruit physio-biochemical parameters, e.g., peel thickness, peel weight, fruit weight, fruit diameter, total soluble solids, juice volume, ascorbic acid content and reduced total acidity. Furthermore, SeNPs also enhanced the amounts of total protein and total sugar as well as elevated antioxidant enzymes, e.g., superoxide dismutase, peroxidases, and catalases. Non-enzymatic antioxidant content, e.g., total phenolic and total flavonoids, was also elevated. Proteomics analysis revealed that exposure to SeNPs at the concentration of 75 mg·L-1 significantly altered in HLB infected mandarin fruting plants the expression of proteins associated with transcription, protection, cell wall biogenesis, cell wall organization, reproduction, stamen formation, embryo development, inflorescence development, as well as translation and response to oxidative stress. Our results revealed that foliar application of SeNPs influences the protein contents positively, therefore ameliorating fruit physio-biochemical quality by boosting antioxidant defense systems of HLB-infected 'Kinnow' mandarin plants.

The convergence of nanotechnology with bioinformatics and the study of plant secondary metabolites hold remarkable potential for transformative scientific breakthroughs. Synergy enables a deeper understanding of the biosynthesis and functions of plant secondary metabolites, unlocking avenues to engineer novel applications in areas like pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and sustainable materials. The present study was conducted to check the effect of plant-mediated selenium nanoparticles to improve the bioactive compounds in sesame. Three varieties of sesame (TS-5, TH-6, and Till-18) were sown and got treated with different concentration of selenium nanoparticles. On the basis of antioxidant, biochemical, and physiological parameters, best performing seed samples from crop were selected and subjected to UHPLC analysis. From all 276 identified metabolites, the top 20 differentially expressed bioactive, medicinally important compounds were subjected to Swiss target prediction, KEGG, and Metascape analysis to reveal drug targets, gene targets, cell targets, and disease targets. Swiss target prediction revealed that most of the drug targets had kinases as the highest target in all the bioactive metabolites, followed by nuclear transporters, cytochrome P450, and proteins associated with electrochemical channels. Metascape analysis revealed that most of the compounds had highest enrichment in non-canonical activation of NOTCH3 followed by regulation of hormone levels. Furthermore, DisGeNET analysis revealed that most of the metabolites had strong association with impaired glucose tolerance followed by myocardial ischemia and neuralgia. Tissue and cell accumulation analysis by PaGeneBase revealed the highest accumulation in the small intestine, colon, ovary, and DRG cells. The study concluded that selenium nanoparticles has an ability to improve certain medicinally important metabolites in sesame, coupled with bioinformatics tools which revealed a great insight into the potential of those compounds, and the information can further be used in future studies.

BackgroundSelenium (Se) in soil mainly consists of selenite, selenate, and elemental Se. However, little is known about the mechanism involved in the uptake and biotransformation of elemental Se by plants.ResultsIn this study, the uptake, translocation, subcellular distribution and biotransformation of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) in rice (Oryza sativa L.), and a comparison with selenite and selenate, were investigated through hydroponic experiments. The study revealed that SeNPs could be absorbed by rice plants; and aquaporin inhibitor was responsible for a 60.4% inhibition of SeNP influx, while metabolic inhibitor was ineffective. However, the SeNPs uptake rate of rice roots was approximately 1.7 times slower than that of selenite or selenate. Under the SeNPs or selenite treatment, Se was primarily accumulated in roots rather than in shoots, whereas an opposite trend was observed with selenate treatment. Additionally, most of the absorbed Se was distributed in cell wall of the SeNPs or selenite treated-rice plants, while its proportion was the highest in soluble cytosol of the selenate treated-rice plants. The absorbed SeNPs or selenite was rapidly assimilated to organic forms, with SeMet being the most predominant species in both shoots and roots of the rice plants. However, following selenate treatment, Se(VI) remained as the most predominant species, and only a small amount of it was converted to organic forms.ConclusionTherefore, this study provides a deeper understanding of the mechanisms associated SeNPs uptake and biotransformation within plants.

Sulfur (S) is an essential microelement for plants. Based on the chemical similarity between Se and S, selenium may affects sulphur uptake by plants. This work aimed at investigating the effect of foliar spray with sodium selenate, gum arabic coated selenium nanoparticles (GA-SeNPs ≈ 48.22 nm) and sodium sulfate on red kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) plants. Each treatment was used at 0.0, 1, 5, 10 and 50 µM, alone or combination of sodium sulfate with either Se or nano-Se, each at 0.5, 2.5 and 5 µM concentrations. The effect of foliar spray on vegetative growth, seed quality, and some metabolic constituents of red kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) plants were investigated. Selenium nanoparticles have been synthesized through the green route using gum arabic (as a stabilizing and coating agent. Foliar application of different concentrations of Se, nano-Se, Na2SO4 up to 10 μM and their interaction were effective in increasing the growth criteria (i.e. shoot and root lengths, plant fresh and dry weights, number of leaves and photosynthetic area (cm2 plant−1).There was also a significant increase in photosynthetic pigment contents, yield (i.e., 100-seed weight), total carbohydrate, crude proteins and mineral contents in both leaf as compared to their untreated control plants. Furthermore, interaction between sodium sulfate with nano-Se or Se, each at 5 µM significantly increased the vegetative growth, 100-seed weight, and pigment contents in leaves and improved the nutritional value and quality of red kidney bean seeds.

Mitigating cadmium-induced stress in Capsicum annuum L. by Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain CD3: Impacts on morpho-physiology, reproductive traits, capsaicin content and soil microbiome.

We studied the effect of exogenous antioxidants dithiothreitol and lipoic acid on the contents of photosynthetic pigments, including total chlorophyll and carotenoids, in the leaves of regenerated shoots of the oilseed rape cultivars Mirakel, Lagonda and Menthal (Brasisca napus L.). The shoots were obtained from hypocotyl segments cultured for six weeks on in vitro regeneration media supplemented with dithiothreitol and lipoic acid at concentrations of 1 mg.dm-3 and 10 mg.dm-3, respectively. The application of DTT and LA resulted in a significant increase in the content of total chlorophyll and carotenoids, maintaining or increasing the Chl/carotenoids ratio in the cultivars Mirakel and Menthal. Unlike the cultivar Menthal, the frequency of explant regeneration significantly decreased in the cultivar Mirakel, which may be attributed to genotype-specific responses. Mirakel exhibited a higher frequency of regeneration under control conditions compared to Lagonda and Menthal. In the leaves of the cultivar Lagonda regenerated in the presence of DTT, there was a significant reduction in chlorophyll and carotenoid contents, along with a decrease in the Chl a/Chl b ratio, suggesting a conversion of Chl b to Chl a and a biphasic effect of DTT.

Isolation and characterization of chromium-resistant bacteria and their effects on germination, growth, and Cr accumulation in Capsicum annum (L.) under Cr stress

Foliar Selenium Nanoparticles Application Promotes the Growth of Maize (Zea mays L.) Seedlings by Regulating Carbon, Nitrogen and Oxidative Stress Metabolism

Environmental pollution issues have prompted the exploration of biological control as a promising alternative for managing diseases in chili plants. However, the use of plant extracts and microbial inoculants to promote growth and control diseases in chili, particularly in Malaysia, especially Sarawak, is limited. The primary objective of this study was to assess the potential of Trichoderma and Boesenbergia stenophylla R.M Smith in suppressing Colletotrichum gloeosporioides Penz., a pathogen associated with chili (Capsicum annum L.) diseases. The efficacy of B. stenophylla in inhibiting C. gloeosporioides showed a maximum PIRG (Percent Inhibition Relative to Control Growth) value of 86.26% on day 8. The formulation of B. stenophylla (jerangau merah) demonstrated potential in suppressing chili anthracnose disease both in vitro and under field conditions. Two Trichoderma spp. isolated from the soil of rehabilitated forest floors were evaluated for their in vitro antagonism against C. gloeosporioides. T. harzianum gradually inhibited the growth of C. gloeosporioides starting from day 2, completely overtaking it by day 8 with a PIRG of 87.40%. T. harzianum inoculants proved effective in controlling the pathogen in vitro and enhancing the growth of chili seedlings, in addition to inhibiting C. gloeosporioides. Meanwhile, T. longibrachiatum also gradually inhibited the growth of C. gloeosporioides, achieving a PIRG of 56.02% by day 8. The presence of Trichoderma in the rhizosphere and on the roots generally improved the root growth of chili seedlings compared to controls inoculated with sterile distilled water (SDW) and those treated with B. stenophylla extracts. Chili seedlings responded better to T. harzianum inoculants than to T. longibrachiatum inoculants and B. stenophylla extracts. By week 8, seedlings inoculated with T. harzianum showed the highest root growth with 26.87 cm in root length and 9.48 g in root fresh mass. Disease assessment studies indicated that T. harzianum exhibited the greatest potential as a biocontrol agent (BCA), reducing disease incidence and severity by 53% and 51%, respectively. Similarly, application of B. stenophylla powder slowed down infection progression and improved chili plant growth, with disease incidence and severity values of 72% and 60%, respectively. Overall, the study demonstrated the efficacy of B. stenophylla in protecting and enhancing the growth of chili plants, potentially replacing harmful chemicals. Both B. stenophylla and T. harzianum inoculants showed effectiveness against C. gloeosporioides, suggesting their potential development as biocontrol agents. Assessment of plant-microbe interactions indicated that T. harzianum mediated induced resistance by producing inducible compounds such as peroxidase (PO). Single inoculation with T. harzianum was most effective, followed by a mixture of T. harzianum + B. stenophylla, delaying symptom onset and reducing disease incidence and severity. In conclusion, the findings suggest that Trichoderma inoculants and B. stenophylla extract powder are effective against C. gloeosporioides while promoting plant growth. Further research into formulation, application frequency, and techniques is essential to maximize their potential as BCAs against Colletotrichum diseases in chili plants.

A study was conducted to demonstrate the induced defence responses of chilli plants against herbivory by different larval instars of the tobacco cutworm, Spodoptera litura (F) at different intervals of time (0, 24, 48 and 72 h) after feeding. The rate of various antioxidative enzymes such as peroxidase, catalase (CAT), superoxide and polyphenol oxidases generated in chilli, Capsicum annuum (L) plant leaves due to damage caused by different larval stages of S. litura, and the primary and secondary metabolite contents were quantified. Also, lipid peroxidation content in plant leaves was measured by a malondialdehyde method, while the photosynthetic pigment concentrations were estimated spectrophotometrically. Early instar larval feeding caused an enhanced production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) compared with the older instars. Not much variation occurred in the primary metabolite content of plants fed upon by herbivores, and normal chilly plants. However, a considerable increase in the activities of CAT and superoxide dismutase was recorded after 24 h of insect feeding. Hydrogen peroxide accumulation was higher in plants fed by 2nd instar larvae when estimated after 0 h (immediately after 2 h of feeding was completed), whereas no hydrogen peroxide accumulation was observed due to the feeding by 5th instar larvae using the 3,3′-diaminobenzidine (DAB) staining method. Nitro blue tetrazolium staining for the location of superoxide ions revealed the immediate accumulation of superoxide ions at the damaged site due to the feeding by all the tested instar larvae of S. litura. Among the different larval stages tested, 2nd and 3rd instar feeding led to more superoxide radical accumulation as an indication of ROS generated as a counteraction to herbivory.

The experiment was conducted in Thi-Qar Governorate - Al-Nasiriya - Al-Mustafa area, during the agricultural season 2024/2025 in one of the protected greenhouses affiliated with the agricultural research station of the Horticulture Department at the College of Agriculture and Marshes, University of Thi-Qar. The study aimed to investigate the effect of adding organic nutrients and biofertilizer on sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) in a sandy loam soil. A Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) was used for the experiment, which included three treatments for adding organic nutrients and biofertilizer: concentrations of (0) mL/L, (2) mL/L, and (4) mL/L. The results showed that the addition of organic nutrients at a concentration of (4 mL/L) resulted in the highest plant height, leaf area, number of leaves, dry weight, chlorophyll, carbohydrates, vitamin C, and capsaicin. The plant height reached 84.66 cm (plant−1), leaf area was 53.04 dm2 (plant−1), number of leaves was 253.44 leaves (plant−1), dry weight was 53.78 g (plant−1), chlorophyll content was 13.30 mg (100 g−1), carbohydrates were 5.789 mg/g, vitamin C was 151.09 mg (100 g−1 fresh weight), and capsaicin was 0.11896 mg/kg, respectively. Additionally, the biofertilizer at a concentration of (4 mL/L) excelled in enhancing plant height, leaf area, number of leaves, dry weight, chlorophyll, and carbohydrates.

The goal of this work is use a green chemistry route to synthesize selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) that do not trigger oxidative stress, typical of metallic, oxide metallic and carbonaceous nanostructures, and supply the same beneficial effects as selenium nanostructures. SeNPs were synthesized using a radiolytic method involving irradiating a solution containing sodium selenite (Se4+) as the precursor in 1% Yeast extract, 2% Peptone, 2% Glucose (YPG) liquid medium with gamma-rays (60Cobalt). The method did not employ any hazardous reducing agents. Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells were incubated with 1mM SeNPs for 24h and/or then challenged with 400Gy of ionizing radiation were assessed for viability and biomarkers of oxidative stress: lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation, free radical generation, and total sulfhydryl content. Spherical SeNPs with variable diameters (from 100 to 200nm) were formed after reactions of sodium selenite with hydrated electrons (eaq-) and hydrogen radicals (H·). Subsequent structural characterizations indicated an amorphous structure composed of elemental selenium (Se0). Compared to 1mM selenite, SeNPs were considered safe and less toxic to Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells as did not elicit significant modifications in cell viability or oxidative stress parameters except for increased protein carbonylation. Furthermore, SeNPs treatment afforded some protection against ionizing radiation exposure. SeNPs produced using green chemistry attenuated the reactive oxygen species generation after in vitro ionizing radiation exposure opens up tremendous possibilities for radiosensitizer development.