Electromagnetic Field Improved Nanoparticle Impact on Antioxidant Activity and Secondary Metabolite Production in Anthemis gilanica Seedlings

Abstract

Electromagnetic field (EMF) causes fundamental alternations in biological systems. In this study, we studied the effects of EMF on physiological responses and secondary metabolites production in SiO2 NP-treated Anthemis gilanica plants. The results indicated that EMF improved plant growth by inducing chlorophyll and carotenoid content, which led to enhanced biomass in SiO2 NP-treated plants. EMF enhanced adventitious roots in SiO2 NP-treated plants. EMF treatment improved the activity of antioxidative enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase in both control and SiO2 NP-treated plants. EMF and SiO2 NP treatments significantly declined hydrogen peroxide content in A. gilanica plants. Although protein content was reduced by SiO2 NP treatment, combined application of EMF with SiO2 NP caused a significant induction in protein content. Our results presented that EMF induced secondary metabolites accumulation such as flavonoid and phenol in SiO2 NP-treated A. gilanica plants. This work can open prospects for the production of the pharmaceutically high-value secondary metabolites.