The bilateral effects of Al2O3NPs on Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss: Insights from physiological responses, antioxidant defense efficacy, and phytochemical yield
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: This study examined the dual effects of aluminum oxide nanoparticles (Al 2 O 3 NPs) on Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss, focusing on physiological, biochemical, and antioxidant defense responses. Moreover, the root and shoot length, biomass production, uptake, and translocation of Al were measured in the studied plants under different doses of Al 2 O 3 NPs (0, 50, 100, 1000, and 2500 ppm). Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM) analysis revealed Al 2 O 3 NPs clusters on the plant root surface. The Al 2 O 3 NPs at 50 ppm promoted the root and shoot dry weight (65.6 and 47.9%, respectively) and the root elongation (21.9%), whereas they decreased the root biomass at 1000 ppm. The amount of chlorophylls (Chl-a and Chl-b) and carotenoids in the fresh leaves of D. kotschyi plants grown under Al 2 O 3 NPs treatment at a dose of 1000 ppm increased compared to the untreated control plants. An increase in total soluble sugar and protein levels at all doses and proline content at 100–2500 ppm was observed in plant exposed to Al 2 O 3 NPs. In response to the toxic effects of Al 2 O 3 NPs, the treated plants stimulated the enzymatic defense system with changes in superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activities. In addition, D. kotschyi plants activated non-enzymatic antioxidants to detoxify the impacts of Al 2 O 3 NPs by increasing the total level of flavonoid, saponin, and iridoid as reactive oxygen species (ROS)-scavenging compounds. Accordingly, the stimulatory and inhibitory impacts of Al 2 O 3 NPs in the treated plants depended on the applied doses and their physicochemical properties; however, these responses may differ in different plants.
Source: BMC Plant Biology
Authors: Azam Chahardoli, Naser Karimi, Mehrdad Chaichi
Institution: Razi University
Language: English
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,090
OpenAlex ID: W7160829370