Green synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles for mitigation of chromium stress and anti-oxidative potential in Triticum aestivum

Abstract

With rapid growth of population, global food demand and environmental stressors such as heavy metal contamination are threatening task for researchers. However, advent of nanotechnology in recent years has emerged as a promising solution to these challenges. The present study aimed was to investigated the effect of biosynthesized Fe2O3-NPs in the mitigation of Cr stress on Triticum aestivum. Phyto-Synthesized Fe2O3-NPs were prepared and confirmed by Ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectra at peak at 299 nm. Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) results showed presence of Fe–O. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed a round with irregular patterns of Fe2O3-NPs. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed a crystalline rhombohedral structure. The zeta potential (ZP) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements of Fe2O3-NPs with values of −20.6 mV, suggesting appropriate physical stability. Morphological analysis of Triticum aestivum in presence of Fe2O3-NPs showed a significant decrease in shoot, root length 18% and 24% respectively and weight 18% and 26% under stress of 350 ppm concentration of Cr. On contrary, Fe2O3-NPs showed an increase in root and shoot length of 8% and 12% and weight 19% and 30% respectively. Fe2O3-NPs improved antioxidant enzyme activities like Superoxide dismutase, Peroxidase, Catalase, and Ascorbate Peroxidase by reducing the effect of Cr. Histochemical analysis also showed an improvement in the viability and permeability of cells on Fe2O3-NPs application. In conclusion, this study confirmed the potential of Fe2O3-NPs to improve the performance of T. aestivum under Cr stress by enhancing the antioxidant enzyme activities.

Keywords

• Wheat
• Fe2O3-NPs
• Chromium
• Antioxidant enzymes
• Metal stress