Innovating the Synergistic Assets of β-Amino Butyric Acid (BABA) and Selenium Nanoparticles (SeNPs) in Improving the Growth, Nitrogen Metabolism, Biological Activities, and Nutritive Value of Medicago interexta Sprouts

Abstract

In view of the wide traditional uses of legume sprouts, several strategies have been approved to improve their growth, bioactivity, and nutritive values. In this regard, the present study aimed at investigating how priming with selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs, 25 mg L−1) enhanced the effects of β-amino butyric acid (BABA, 30 mM) on the growth, physiology, nitrogen metabolism, and bioactive metabolites of Medicago interexta sprouts. The results have shown that the growth and photosynthesis of M. interexta sprouts were enhanced by the treatment with BABA or SeNPs, being higher under combined treatment. Increased photosynthesis provided the precursors for the biosynthesis of primary and secondary metabolites. In this regard, the combined treatment had a more pronounced effect on the bioactive primary metabolites (essential amino acids), secondary metabolites (phenolics, GSH, and ASC), and mineral profiles of the investigated sprouts than that of sole treatments. Increased amino acids were accompanied by increased nitrogen metabolism, i.e., nitrate reductase, glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), glutamate synthase (GOGAT), glutamine synthase (GS), cysteine synthesis serine acetyltransferase, arginase, threonine synthase, and methionine synthase. Further, the antioxidant capacity (FRAP), the anti-diabetic activities (i.e., α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition activities), and the glycemic index of the tested sprouts were more significantly improved by the combined treatment with BABA and SeNPs than by individual treatment. Overall, the combined effect of BABA and SeNPs could be preferable to their individual effects on plant growth and bioactive metabolites.

Application of Priming Strategy for Enhanced Paclitaxel Biosynthesis in Taxus × Media Hairy Root Cultures

“…In the previous study on hairy root cultures of S. miltiorrhiza, it was described that BABA added at higher dosages (1 mM) resulted in slight root growth suppression, although this effect was not observed when BABA was used in combination with MeJA, which is in accordance with the results of the present study [11]. In the other study, it was demonstrated that BABA stimulated the photosynthesis and growth of Medicago interexta sprouts, to a higher extent when applied together with selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) [30].…”

“…Previously, the importance of preincubation with BABA on the tanshinone total yield was described in S. miltiorrhiza hairy root cultures, and the authors pointed out that tanshinone productivity increased steadily with the prolongation of BABA treatment [38]. Further, it was demonstrated that BABA influenced results, especially in combination with SeNPs' potentiated accumulation of phenolics and flavonoids, and especially when they were applied together [30]. Next, the stronger activation of defence response was observed in BABA-primed mango fruit to subsequent inoculation with Colletotrichum gloeosporoides [39].…”

Chromium(VI) Toxicity and Active Tolerance Mechanisms of Wheat Plant Treated with Plant Growth-Promoting Actinobacteria and Olive Solid Waste

“…Folin–Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride calorimetric assays were used to measure the contents of polyphenols and flavonoids, as fully described by Zhang et al and AbdElgawad et al, respectively. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was quantified through the ferric-reducing antioxidant power method using Trolox as a reference base . Tocopherol content was measured using HPLC, in which Dimethyl tocol was used as an internal standard .…”

Effect of some growth stimulators on productivity, chemical and biological properties of Coleus amboinicus Lour. Cultivated under desert conditions

“…The gradient elution program was as follows: 82% to 80% B (v/v) in 5 min, to 60% B at 12 min and finally to 82% B at 20 min. The injection volume for all samples was 20 μL [20] . The phenolic compounds were analyzed by matching the retention time and their spectral characteristics against those of standards.…”