Shiraz Mohammad, Arif Yamshi, Imtiaz Havza, Azam Ameer, Alam Pravej, Hayat Shamsul
Department of Botany, Plant Physiology Section, Faculty of Life Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, 202002, India.
Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Islamic University of Madinah, Madinah, 42351, Saudi Arabia.
Protoplasma. 2025 Sep;262(5):1229-1258. doi: 10.1007/s00709-025-02060-2. Epub 2025 Apr 8.
The term "green synthesis" refers to the use of sustainable and environmentally friendly methods to produce materials, chemicals, or nanoparticles (NPs). This approach emphasizes the use of renewable resources, energy-efficient processes, and non-toxic chemicals to minimize environmental impact. In our study, we synthesized cerium oxide NPs (CeO₂ NPs) of varying crystal sizes using leaf extract from the Moringa oleifera plant and evaluated their effects on the photosynthetic and antioxidant properties of mustard (Brassica juncea L.). X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the successful synthesis of CeO₂ NPs, with average crystal sizes determined using the Debye-Scherrer equation as 4.5 nm, 8.5 nm, and 15.4 nm (designated as A, B, and C respectively). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis revealed stretching frequencies at 550 cm⁻, confirming the presence of Ce-O stretching bands and the use of natural compounds in the synthesis process. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis showed that the CeO₂ NPs were irregularly shaped and agglomerated, while transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis confirmed that the particles were spherical and polydisperse. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and zeta potential analysis further confirmed the polydispersity and stability of synthesized NPs in solution. Following synthesis, the CeO₂ NPs were applied foliarly to mustard crops at concentrations of 50, 100, and 150 ppm. The results demonstrated that all concentrations of NPs enhanced growth, photosynthetic efficiency, and gaseous exchange parameters in mustard. Additionally, the NPs regulated balance between oxidation and reduction (redox) reactions in cell. It helps maintain cellular function by controlling reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants, preventing damage and ensuring normal metabolism. Notably, the 4.5 nm-sized NP (A) at a concentration of 100 ppm was the most effective in improving these parameters. CeO₂ NPs show promise as a sustainable alternative to traditional fertilizers and pesticides, contributing to more sustainable agricultural practices. This pioneering research highlights the potential of biogenically synthesized CeO₂ NPs in boosting crop performance, marking a significant advancement in agricultural nanotechnology.
“绿色合成”一词是指使用可持续且环保的方法来生产材料、化学品或纳米颗粒（NPs）。这种方法强调使用可再生资源、节能工艺和无毒化学品，以尽量减少对环境的影响。在我们的研究中，我们使用辣木植物的叶提取物合成了不同晶体尺寸的氧化铈纳米颗粒（CeO₂ NPs），并评估了它们对芥菜（Brassica juncea L.）光合和抗氧化特性的影响。X射线衍射（XRD）分析证实成功合成了CeO₂ NPs，使用德拜-谢乐方程确定的平均晶体尺寸分别为4.5纳米、8.5纳米和15.4纳米（分别指定为A、B和C）。傅里叶变换红外光谱（FTIR）分析显示在550 cm⁻处有伸缩频率，证实了Ce-O伸缩带的存在以及合成过程中天然化合物的使用。扫描电子显微镜（SEM）分析表明CeO₂ NPs形状不规则且团聚，而透射电子显微镜（TEM）分析证实颗粒呈球形且多分散。动态光散射（DLS）和zeta电位分析进一步证实了合成的NPs在溶液中的多分散性和稳定性。合成后，将CeO₂ NPs以50、100和150 ppm的浓度叶面施用于芥菜作物。结果表明，所有浓度的NPs均提高了芥菜的生长、光合效率和气态交换参数。此外，NPs调节了细胞内氧化和还原（氧化还原）反应之间的平衡。它通过控制活性氧（ROS）和抗氧化剂来帮助维持细胞功能，防止损伤并确保正常代谢。值得注意的是，浓度为100 ppm的4.5纳米尺寸的NP（A）在改善这些参数方面最有效。CeO₂ NPs有望成为传统肥料和农药的可持续替代品，有助于实现更可持续的农业实践。这项开创性研究突出了生物合成的CeO₂ NPs在提高作物性能方面的潜力，标志着农业纳米技术的重大进步。
