Exploring the effects of diluted plasma activated water (PAW) on various sprout crops and its role in autophagy regulation

Abstract

Background Plasma-activated water (PAW) has been studied for a variety of applications, including agricultural, medical, beauty, and sterilization. This process typically involves exposing water to a plasma discharge, releasing highly reactive oxygen (ROS) and nitrogen species (RNS), ions, and other active molecules. In agriculture, seed germination and sterilization are being emphasized for their utility. Results In this study, PAW1000, which was maximally exposed to plasma, was diluted and applied to hydroponic culture and pot soil cultivation for sprout crops that can be easily cultivated. As a result, diluted PAW contained a little bit nitrogen source and promoted various sprout crop growth. These results show the possibility of reducing the use of plant growth agents or fertilizers that cause environmental pollution by diluting and irrigating PAW on various sprout crops. Additionally, we found that using PAW contributes to the activation of autophagy. Conclusions The objective of this study is to provide a more comprehensive understanding of how plants respond to PAW treatment and offer insights into the potential applications of plasma technology in smart farms or in-door farming.