Microfluidic synthesis of methyl jasmonate-loaded PLGA nanocarriers as a new strategy to improve natural defenses in Vitis vinifera

Abstract

The objective of the present work was to synthesize biopolymeric nanoparticles (NPs) entrapping the resistance-inductor methyl jasmonate (MeJA) to be employed as a novel and alternative strategy in integrated pest management. NPs were prepared by using a continuous flow microfluidic reactor that allows to precisely control some features that are crucial for applications such as size, polydispersion, morphology and reproducibility. Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), a biopolymer largely studied for its use in biological applications, was chosen for the production of NPs entrapping MeJA, a biotic endogenous elicitor able to trigger plant’s defense responses. The effect of different fluid-dynamic conditions, PLGA molecular weight and concentration on NP properties (dimensions, polydispersion, morphology, stability) was evaluated. DLS and SEM were employed to characterize the obtained NPs. MeJA-loaded PLGA NPs ranging from 40 to 70 nm were administered to Vitis vinifera cell cultures, in order to evaluate the biological response in terms of stilbene biosynthesis. HPLC investigations showed a faster response when the elicitor was administered by PLGA NPs in comparison with free MeJA. This result demonstrates that the encapsulation in PLGA NPs significantly promotes MeJA cell uptake and the activation of MeJA-induced responses.

Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of dirigent-jacalin genes from plant chimeric lectins in Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis)

“…Studies have also shown that plant growth regulators, including phytohormones, could regulate plant responses to environmental stimuli [87,88]. MeJA activates a series of signal transduction pathways involved in plant responses to abiotic and biotic stresses, thereby enhancing stress tolerance [89]. In this study, it was found that the four PeD-J genes responded differently to MeJA treatment [30,90].…”

2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid Loaded Polymeric Nanoparticle Synthesis and Its Effect on Biomass in Medicago sativa Cell Suspension Cultures

“…Therefore, the use of various PGRs in nanocarriers can positively affect plant growth and biomass by preventing the achievement of supra-optimal levels by enabling the slow and sustained release of the active substance [11]. MeJA-induced responses [36]. In another study where PLGA-block-PEG Copolymers were used as carriers for controlled release of herbicides into the soil, in the 3-month release test, it was observed that almost 90% of the loaded herbicides were slowly released into the soil.…”

“…The effect of various plant regulators and particulate systems on cell culture studies in recent years has been studied. In a study using methyl jasmonate-loaded PLGA nanocarriers to improve natural defences in Vitis vinifera, Chronopoulou et al showed that methyl jasmonate-loaded PLGA NPs react faster compared to free MeJA, encapsulation in PLGA NPs significantly increased MeJA cell uptake and activation of MeJA-induced responses [36]. In another study where PLGA-block-PEG Copolymers were used as carriers for controlled release of herbicides into the soil, in the 3-month release test, it was observed that almost 90% of the loaded herbicides were slowly released into the soil.…”

Effects of Abiotic Elicitors on Expression and Accumulation of Three Candidate Benzophenanthridine Alkaloids in Cultured Greater Celandine Cells 

“…Two commonly used abiotic elicitors MJ and SA were found to be effective in triggering stress in cultured Greater Celandine cells. MJ and SA are involved in plant defense systems against stresses 33,34 . SA elicitation of Panax ginseng cells resulted in a reduction of cell weight by approximately 25% after nine days 35 .…”