Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) as a novel nanofertilizer: Influence on seed yield and antioxidant defense system in soil grown soybean (Glycine max cv. Kowsar)

AbstractHerein, we investigated potential phytotoxicity of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) on seed yield, focusing on particle size-, morphology-, and concentration-dependent responses of multiple antioxidant defense biomarkers, in soil-grown soybean (Glycine max cv. Kowsar) during its lifecycle. To this end, we synthesized three types of morphologically unique ZnONPs (spherical/ 38nm, floral-like/ 59nm, and rod-like/ >500nm); all with high purity, triclinic crystal structure and negative surface charge; and compared the toxicity with Zn2+ ions. Each pot received two seeds, placed in soil inoculated with N-fixing bacteria (Rhizobium japonicum) and grown outdoor for 120 days. Our findings demonstrated a significant particle size-, morphology-, and concentration-dependent influence of ZnONPs on seed yield, lipid peroxidation, and various antioxidant biomarkers in soybean. Our spherical 38nm ZnONPs were the most protective compared to the floral-like 59nm ZnONPs, rod-like >500nm ZnONPs, and Zn2+ ions, particularly up to 160 mg/kg. However, at the highest concentration of 400 mg/kg, spherical 38nm ZnONPs elicited the highest oxidative stress responses (H2O2 synthesis, MDA, SOD, CAT, POX) in soybean compared to the other two morphologically different ZnONPs tested. The concentrationresponse curves for the three types of ZnONPs and Zn2+ ions were nonlinear (nonmonotonous) for all the endpoints evaluated. The results also suggest differential nano-specific toxicity of ZnONPs compared to ionic Zn2+ toxicity in soybean. Our higher NOAEL value of 160 mg/kg indicates the potential for ZnONPs to be used as a nanofertilizer for crops grown in Zn-deficient soils to improve crop yield, food quality and address malnutrition, globally.HighlightsParticle size-, morphology-, and concentration-dependent effects of ZnONPs tested.All Zn compounds (ZnONPs, Zn2+) promoted seed yield up to 160 mg/kg.Spherical 38nm ZnONPs elicited the least oxidative stress, except at 400 mg/kg.Concentration-response curves for all Zn compounds were non-linear.ZnONPs may serve as nanofertilizer for enriching Zn-deficit soil with Zn.Abstract FigureTOC Art

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Zinc oxide nanoparticles attenuate the oxidative damage and disturbance in antioxidant defense system induced by cyclophosphamide in male albino rats

Insights in Biology and Medicine ◽

10.29328/journal.ibm.1001016 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (1) ◽

pp. 001-008

Author(s):

El M Shkal Karema ◽

Azab Azab Elsayed ◽

Attia Ahmed M ◽

El-Banna Sabah G ◽

Yahya Rabia AM

Keyword(s):

Zinc Oxide ◽

Oxidative Damage ◽

Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles ◽

Antioxidant Defense ◽

Antioxidant Defense System ◽

Nano Particles ◽

Control Group ◽

Albino Rats ◽

Oxide Nanoparticles ◽

Defense System

Background: Cyclophosphamide is used for the treatment of malignant and non-malignant diseases, but, it induces oxidative damage and disturbance in the antioxidant defense system. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are used in biomedical applications and consumer products. ZnO-NPs are protected cell membranes against oxidative damage, decrease free radicals and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and increase the antioxidant enzyme levels. Objectives: The present aimed to evaluate the ameliorative effect of Zn-O nano-particles on oxidative damage and disturbance in the antioxidant defense system induced by cyclophosphamide in male albino rats. Materials and Methods: 24 adult male albino rats were randomly divided into 4 groups (6 rats of each). Group I (Control group): Received 0.2 ml saline /day i.p. injection for 14 days (day by day), group II, (nZnO group): Received nZnO (5 mg/kg/day) b.w., intraperitoneally for 14 days, Group III (CP group): Received CP (20 mg/kg/day) b.w, day by day for 14 days by intraperitoneal injection, Group IV (CP + ZnO NPs group): Received nZnO group: Received nZnO (5 mg/kg/day) b.w., intraperitoneally for 14 days, plus CP (20 mg/kg/day) b.w., day by day for 14 days by intraperitoneal injection. After 24-hr from the last treatment, all animals were anesthetized using light ether. Blood, lungs, and liver samples were taken and prepared for biochemical measurements. Results: Individual treatment of zinc oxide nanoparticles and CP induced liver cytochrome b5, cytochrome C reductase, and glutathione S-transferase (GST) compared to the control group, while CP increased P450. The combination of nZnO and CP prevents the elevation of cytochrome b5, P450, cytochrome C reductase, and GST compared with the CP treated group. Zinc oxide nanoparticles and CP increased liver thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). The combination of nZnO and CP prevents the changes in TBARS concentrations compared with the CP. Injection of CP to rats reduced the activities of serum glutathione reductase (GR) and catalase (CAT) as compared with the control group. However, combination treatment of rats with nZnO and CP increased the activities of these enzymes compared with those treated with CP alone. Zinc oxide nanoparticles and CP increased serum and lung TBARS, while decreased glutathione (GSH) concentration compared to the control group, with more pronounced changes by CP. The combination of nZnO and CP prevents the changes in TBARS and GSH concentrations compared with the CP. Conclusion: It can be concluded that CP induced oxidative stress and disturbance in the antioxidant defense system. Treatment of rats with zinc oxide nano-particles and CP together attenuated the oxidative damage and disturbance in the antioxidant defense system induced by CP. So, Patients treated with CP advised to take nZnO to prevent the side effects of chemotherapy. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the amelioration effect nZnO and other nano-particles against oxidative stress induced by CP in different doses and experimental models.

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