Impact of Inorganic Metal (Ag, Cu) Nanoparticles on the Quality of Seeds and Dried Rapeseed Sprouts

Abstract

The present study focuses on the impact of copper and silver nanoparticles on the chemical composition and physical properties of rapeseeds and rape sprouts. The seeds and sprouts were obtained from winter rape grown in a three-year cultivation (2018–2020) treated with silver (AgNP) and copper (CuNP) nanoparticles. In addition, the effect of the freeze-drying temperature (20; 40; 60 °C) on selected properties of the sprouts was studied. Spraying growing plants with nanoparticles resulted, in most cases, and depending on the year, in a reduction in the mass of seeds (MTS) by 9.5% (single nanoparticles spray ×1 CuNP in 2018), an increase in the fat content (by 8.80% for ×1 CuNP in 2018), a reduction in the protein content (by 12.93% for ×1 CuNP in 2018) and flavonoid content (by up to 58% for ×1 AgNP and CuNP in 2018), as well as increase in the glucosinolates content by 25% (for double nanoparticles spray ×2 AgNP in 2019). For the sprouts obtained from the rapeseeds, in most cases, a decrease in the content of flavonoids was observed (26.68% for ×1 AgNP; 20 °C in 2018), depending on the year of cultivation, the nanoparticles used, and the drying temperature. The obtained results remain inconclusive, which encourages the authors to undertake further research.

Biogenic CuO and ZnO Nanoparticles as Nanofertilizers for Sustainable Growth of Amaranthus hybridus

“…The synthesis and accumulation of many antioxidants, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, vitamin C, carotenoids, glutathione, etc., scavenge ROS and act as a natural defense mechanism for plants against stress [ 83 , 84 , 85 , 86 , 87 ]. Moreover, they also are antimicrobial and, therefore, effective against fungal and bacterial infections and plant pests [ 88 ]. In the current study, ZnO nanoparticle treatment reported higher antioxidant activity in plants by the ABTS assay in both hydroponic and foliar application systems, as compared with media and water controls, while CuO treatment on plants under the hydroponic system did not demonstrate any significant variation in media control but was effective on plants under foliar treatment.…”

“…The DPHH assay failed to reveal any significant difference in the antioxidant activity between the nanoparticle-treated plants, though the activity was significantly higher as compared with water and media controls. Thus, an increased antioxidant activity among the nanoparticle-treated plants signifies better tolerance towards infections and pests [ 88 , 89 ]. Similar reports are published in rice, cauliflower, and tomato after copper and cabbage, cauliflower, tomato, black mustard, and pepper after zinc fertilization, respectively [ 28 ].…”

“…There are many reports on the use of nanoparticles stimulating the formation of various types of antioxidants, such as phenolic compounds. Flavonoids are the largest group of phenolic compounds that contribute to the organoleptic properties, such as the color, smell, and taste of fruit and flowers, and also protect from pest attack [ 84 , 88 , 89 ]. Zinc and copper play an important role in the expression of the phenolic pathway and synthesis of phenolic compounds [ 91 , 92 , 93 ].…”

“…It is interesting to note a lowered TPC at higher concentrations of CuO and ZnO nanoparticles. There are a few reports of excess copper ions stimulating the synthesis of flavonoids, specifically luteolin glycosides, in the absence of UV light [ 94 ], while Kachel et al, in 2022, reported the negative influence of copper nanoparticles on the TFC of seeds [ 88 ]. Thus, application of CuO and ZnO nanoparticles encourages production of antioxidants, which at a given time and less lethal dosage can be advantageous for increasing plant’s resistance to infections and enhances the plant growth [ 95 ], which is corroborated with the current study.…”