Plant Nano Biology (Nov 2022)
Microwave-assisted functionalization of graphene oxide with amino acid behaviour on the chemical constituents and specific molecular pathways of pearl millet grains under saline conditions
Abstract
abstract: Graphene-based nanomaterials received a lot of attention in agriculture. In this study, graphene oxide (GO) was modified with different amino acids (methionine and lysine) using a microwave approach, and yielded methionine on GO (Meth/GO), and lysine on GO (Lys/GO); The materials obtained had a significant impact on the colour, chemical components and molecular features of pearl millet grains grown under salt stress. Due to the effect of modified GO on the nutritious content of millet grains, its usage resulted in the homogeneity of the colour of the pearl millet grains to a great extent. Tannins and phytic acid contained in pearl millet grains, when ingested by humans or animals, can result as anti-nutritional factors, as they can form complexes with metal ions and vitamins, limiting the absorption of many molecules essential for nutrition. As a result, it is vital to reduce these substances. GO, Meth/GO, and Lys/GO all had a significant impact on the tannin content in the pearl millet, with reductions of 9.2 %, 32.76 %, and 26.54 %, respectively. Moreover, the phytic acid levels decreased by 16.4 %, 28.14 %, and 27.2 %, respectively. However, the total protein content increased by 28.7 %, 26.1 %, and 24.19%, when Meth/GO, Lys/GO, and GO were sprayed on plants respectively. The plant proteins that are ordinarily utilised to create cell components get a boost as a result of this behaviour. The total carbohydrate content increased by 40 %, 34 %, and 30 %, when Meth/GO, Lys/GO, and GO sprayed on vegetative part of plant, respectively. The findings above give a solid foundation for the development of nanomaterials and agricultural applications in the future. Furthermore, a genetic investigation revealed that the process of colour production is influenced by several genes.
