Work

Carbon nanoparticles synergistically improve drought tolerance and nutraceutical innovation in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.): Antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-fibrotic activities enhanced via flavonoid accumulation

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: ) productivity and bioactive quality, yet effective mitigation strategies remain limited. Here, we demonstrate that carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) not only enhance drought tolerance-through improved root architecture, water uptake, and photosynthetic efficiency-but also uniquely reprogram flavonoid metabolism. Metabolomic profiling revealed 1025 metabolites; flavonoids were most responsive, with CNPs under drought specifically activating flavone and flavonol pathways, driving 1.55-6.86-fold accumulation of bioactive flavonoids (rutin, quercetin). Purified flavonoid extracts exhibited enhanced antioxidant and antibacterial activities, and suppressed hepatic stellate cell activation markers, suggesting nutraceutical potential beyond stress mitigation. This work establishes a dual-function CNP strategy that simultaneously improves agronomic resilience and enriches health-promoting metabolites in a major vegetable crop, addressing a critical gap in nano-enabled sustainable agriculture.

Source: Food Chemistry X

DOI: 10.1016/j.fochx.2026.104584