Biocatalysis and agricultural biotechnology最新文献

{"title":"Harnessing arabica and canephora coffee cascara as substrates for kombucha: Comparative study of chemical, antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal properties","authors":"Mariana Moysés Delorme ,&nbsp;Beatriz Spena Machado ,&nbsp;Fernanda dos Santos Ferreira ,&nbsp;Rayssa Neves Alves ,&nbsp;Daniel Coelho Ferreira ,&nbsp;Jessica Pronestino de Lima Moreira ,&nbsp;Vanessa Naciuk Castelo-Branco ,&nbsp;Thais Matsue Uekane ,&nbsp;Fabrício Freitas Fernandes ,&nbsp;Adriene Ribeiro Lima","doi":"10.1016/j.bcab.2025.103570","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bcab.2025.103570","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study aimed to investigate kombuchas produced from <em>Coffea arabica</em> L. (KA) and <em>Coffea canephora</em> Pierre (KC) cascara, combined with black tea (<em>Camellia sinensis</em>), fermented over a 12-day period. The evaluation focused on their chemical properties, antioxidant potential, and antimicrobial activity. A decrease in pH and an increase in acidity were observed along the fermentation period. There was an increase in total phenolic content by 27.4 % in KA and 22.7 % in KC, however antioxidant activity, as determined by DPPH and FRAP assays, remained unchanged. The 5-caffeoylquinic acid (5-CQA) was the predominant phenolic acid identified, exhibiting higher concentrations in the fermented beverages compared to their respective non-fermented infusions, highlighting the impact of fermentation on its concentration. Additional phenolic acids identified included gallic, caffeic, p-coumaric, 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic, sinapic, and ferulic acids. KC exhibited higher levels of total phenolic content, 5-CQA, catechin, and caffeine compared to KA, as well as stronger antioxidant activity. Both beverages demonstrated antibacterial activity against tested strains from the 6th day of fermentation. KA exhibited bactericidal activity against <em>Salmonella</em> Enteritidis and fungicidal activity against <em>Candida albicans</em> and <em>Candida parapsilosis</em> on the 12th day, whereas KC showed no bactericidal or antifungal effects. As far as we know, this is the first study to report the antimicrobial properties of kombucha produced from coffee cascara. These findings suggest that arabica and canephora coffee cascara infusions are viable alternative substrates for kombucha production. The use in the development of fermented beverages with functional properties is a promising way of using by-products from coffee processing.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8774,"journal":{"name":"Biocatalysis and agricultural biotechnology","volume":"66 ","pages":"Article 103570"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143785247","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effect of subcritical water extraction and precipitation methods on the functional properties, antioxidant activity, and ACE1 inhibition of palm kernel cake protein","authors":"Alfred Elikem Kwami Afedzi ,&nbsp;Thitirat Poolsawat ,&nbsp;Bandhita Wanikorn ,&nbsp;Pramuk Parakulsuksatid","doi":"10.1016/j.bcab.2025.103569","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bcab.2025.103569","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Protein is an essential macronutrient for human and animal nutrition. Plant protein sources can be classified into protein flours, protein concentrates, and protein isolates, each offering beneficial nutritional and functional properties. This study investigated the use of subcritical water (SCW) for extracting protein from palm kernel cake (PKC). SCW extraction was carried out at three temperatures (120, 150, and 180 °C) and two durations (15 and 30 min). These conditions were compared with a conventional alkali (2 M NaOH) extraction method. Two protein precipitation methods; isoelectric (pH 3.5) and cold ethanol (80 %), were investigated. Temperature and time significantly influenced protein yield. At 150 °C and 30 min, SCW extraction followed by cold ethanol precipitation resulted in the highest protein yield of 66.24 ± 4.22 %. Isoelectric precipitation under the same SCW condition gave only 1.33 ± 0.06 %. Conversely, the alkali method showed a higher protein yield (94.01 ± 3.99 %) via isoelectric precipitation. Cold ethanol precipitation with alkali extraction was less than 0.01 %. The protein content from SCW extraction was 42.01 ± 1.72 % (flour), while that from alkali extraction was 65.53 ± 1.15 % (concentrate). SCW protein flour showed higher antioxidant activity by DPPH (78.74 ± 2.33 μmol TE/g) and total phenolic content (190.43 ± 1.75 mg GAE/g). However, alkali protein concentrate had higher ABTS (87.88 ± 0.90 μmol TE/g) and reducing power (0.39 ± 0.05 μmol TE/g). SCW protein flour demonstrated the strongest ACE1 inhibition and favorable emulsifying, foaming, and absorption properties. These findings emphasize SCW extraction as an eco-friendly strategy for obtaining bioactive protein from PKC with potential applications in functional foods.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8774,"journal":{"name":"Biocatalysis and agricultural biotechnology","volume":"66 ","pages":"Article 103569"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143825394","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Biogenic selenium nanoparticles as nanopriming agents: Promoting germination and strengthening antioxidant defense in rice (Oryza sativa L.)","authors":"Monalisha Mishra,&nbsp;Nidhi Shukla,&nbsp;Mariyam Fatima,&nbsp;Nand K. Singh","doi":"10.1016/j.bcab.2025.103568","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bcab.2025.103568","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Biogenic synthesis of nanoparticles is an emerging and trending technology. Greener approaches are more sustainable, less invasive and economical. The contemporary study focuses on the synthesis of selenium nanoparticles (Se-NPs) using <em>Hibiscus rosa-sinensis</em> leaf extract and evaluating their nanopriming effect on rice seeds. The biophysical characteristics of Se-NPs were evaluated using techniques like ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction, dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and electron probe microanalysis (EPMA). SEM and AFM analyses revealed spherical Se-NPs with an average diameter of 47.6 nm. FT-IR confirmed functional groups, aiding in the reduction and stabilization of the Se-NPs, while EPMA validated elemental selenium presence. Nanopriming with Se-NPs demonstrated a significant, dose-dependent increase in germination activity. This was evident in mean germination time (65 %), radicle and plumule length, fresh weight, and biochemical assays for total soluble sugar and protein content. Additionally, seed vigour and relative water uptake measurements strongly indicated that Se-NPs effectively boost germination and seedling growth. The reduction of free radicals was observed by 3,3′-diaminobenzidine and nitro blue tetrazolium staining, indicating strong antioxidant activity by application of Se-NPs. The increased activities of enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD ≥28 %), catalase (CAT ≥46 %), peroxidase (POD ≥49 %), along with marked reduction in lipid peroxidation (MDA ≥23 %) evidently demonstrated that Se-NPs enhanced antioxidant defense. These findings suggest that selenium nanoparticles have bioactive potential in agriculture, particularly in improving plant growth. This warrants further exploration for efficient agricultural applications and creating a more sustainable environment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8774,"journal":{"name":"Biocatalysis and agricultural biotechnology","volume":"65 ","pages":"Article 103568"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143738354","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Production of geraniol by a solvent-tolerant Serratia marcescens without the formation of geraniol derivatives","authors":"Yongai Ma ,&nbsp;Di Liu ,&nbsp;Long Wang ,&nbsp;Yao Lu ,&nbsp;Taiping Fan ,&nbsp;Huaxiang Deng ,&nbsp;Yujie Cai","doi":"10.1016/j.bcab.2025.103567","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bcab.2025.103567","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Geraniol is an acyclic monoterpene compound with a distinct rose-like fragrance, extensively used in fragrances, cosmetics, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals. The traditional extraction of geraniol from plants is limited by the supply of raw materials, which is insufficient to meet market demands. The solvent-tolerant <em>Serratia marcescens</em> demonstrates a high potential for geraniol production, so it was selected as a host for the production of geraniol. We constructed a geraniol biosynthetic pathway in <em>S. marcescens</em> HBQA7 by integrating seven enzymes with high expression activity, successfully achieving the production of geraniol. To enhance the biosynthesis of isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP) and dimethylallyl pyrophosphate (DMAPP), we engineered the downstream pathway of the mevalonate (MVA) pathway by rearranging the order of phosphomevalonate kinase (PMK), phosphomevalonate decarboxylase (PMD), and isopentenyl diphosphate isomerase (IDI). Furthermore, an optimal geraniol synthase (ObGES) from <em>Ocimum basilicum</em> was determined for geraniol biosynthesis by evaluating five different geraniol synthases (GES). To further increase the production of geranyl pyrophosphate (GPP), we compared different geranyl diphosphate synthase (GPPS) and found that the enzyme derived from <em>Abies grandis</em> (AgGPPS) was the most effective. Based on these findings, we optimized the linker sequences for fusion expression, thereby improving geraniol production efficiency. Ultimately, the geraniol titer reached 947.6 mg/L in shake flask fermentation. Upon scaling up the process, the geraniol production further increased to 2976.2 mg/L in 5 L bioreactor. This represents the highest yield of geraniol to date in <em>S. marcescens</em>. This research provides a theoretical foundation for the production of other terpenoid compounds in <em>S. marcescens</em>.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8774,"journal":{"name":"Biocatalysis and agricultural biotechnology","volume":"65 ","pages":"Article 103567"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143738355","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Unlocking the industrial potential of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal: A varietal comparison of morphology, microstructure, and metabolomic profiles","authors":"Sneha Singh,&nbsp;Pajeb Saha,&nbsp;Sabitri Kumari,&nbsp;Nidhi Rai,&nbsp;Shashi Pandey-Rai","doi":"10.1016/j.bcab.2025.103572","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bcab.2025.103572","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>To address the lack of publications on the metabolic profiling of <em>W. somnifera</em> varieties for industrial and pharmaceutical uses, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the phytochemistry in three ashwagandha varieties- Red (R), Wild (W), and Pratap (P)- with a focus on their distinctive traits and potential commercial applications. Our research involved studies on germination, morphological assessments, and tissue culture experiments to understand growth potential and physical traits. Additionally, microscopic examinations of leaf structures and advanced techniques such as Raman spectroscopy and high-resolution mass spectrometry were used to analyse their biochemical and metabolite profiles. R exhibited a 101.5 % increase in total biomass in the field, while W showed the most vigorous <em>in-vitro</em> growth. The P variety had a high density of glandular trichomes, crucial for secondary metabolite production. Raman analysis revealed Withaferin A was most abundant in R, and phenylalanine was highest in P. HRMS results indicated comparable levels of terpenes in W and P, with P having higher fatty acids and steroids, known for skincare benefits. Peptides and amines were similarly high in R and W, supporting their therapeutic uses. These comprehensive plans revealed notable differences in the chemical profiles of the three varieties, emphasizing their potential for various industrial applications. This study not only adds to the understanding of the phytochemical diversity within <em>W. somnifera</em> but also further enables the improvement of the efficiency of cultivation and processing techniques for better medicinal and commercial outcomes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8774,"journal":{"name":"Biocatalysis and agricultural biotechnology","volume":"65 ","pages":"Article 103572"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143783154","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Characterization, in vitro and in vivo biological activities of P. equisetiforme extract powder, and preformulation studies for hard gelatin capsules","authors":"Sourour Idoudi ,&nbsp;Walid Elfalleh ,&nbsp;Jalloul Bouajila ,&nbsp;Khaled Bellassoued ,&nbsp;Fatma Ben Mansour ,&nbsp;Mehrez Romdhane ,&nbsp;Audrey Tourrette","doi":"10.1016/j.bcab.2025.103565","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bcab.2025.103565","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of two extraction solvents, ethanol (EtOH) and water (AQ), on the chemical composition (HPLC-DAD and GC-MS) and <em>in vitro</em> biological properties of <em>P. equisetiforme</em> aerial parts. Biological activities included antixanthine oxidase (anti-XOD), antiacetylcholinesterase (anti-AChE), anti-5-lipoxygenase (anti-5-LOX), anti-α-glucosidase, anti-α-amylase, as well as cytotoxic activity was evaluated. Subsequently, the <em>in vivo</em> hepatoprotective effect of the bioactive extract was also assessed. Finally, we made powder capsules with two different excipients, microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and starch, and proceeded to characterize each formulation to optimize hard gelatin capsules. The results revealed that the ethanolic extract is more active than the aqueous extract, notably in DPPH (IC₅₀ = 6.52 μg/mL), ABTS (IC₅₀ = 3.13 μg/mL) tests, anti-AChE (IC₅₀ = 15.63 μg/mL), and antidiabetic activities via the α-glucosidase (IC₅₀ = 5.96 μg/mL) and α-amylase (IC₅₀ = 21.19 μg/mL) enzymes. This extract is also the most concentrated in polyphenols (427.72 GAE/g DW) and flavonoids (36.43 RE/g DW). For the <em>in vivo</em> part, results showed that pretreatment with <em>P. equisetiforme</em> EtOH extract significantly attenuated nickel (Ni)-induced elevated liver marker and lipid levels in rats. In addition, antioxidant enzyme activities and TBARS levels were significantly corrected by pretreatment with EtOH extract. The starch-based (F1) and MCC-based (F2) capsules maintained a considerable amount of bioactivity, despite the pure extract exhibiting greater anti-α-glucosidase and antioxidant properties. The polyphenol content and bioactive characteristics of the extract were retained by both formulations, according to stability tests conducted over a 30-day period. The results obtained support the use of starch and MCC as suitable excipients for the stable and efficient encapsulation of the ethanolic extract of <em>P. equisetiforme</em>.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8774,"journal":{"name":"Biocatalysis and agricultural biotechnology","volume":"65 ","pages":"Article 103565"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143747786","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Corrigendum to “An improved method for corn stalk in-situ degrading synthetic bacterial consortium construction in a cold Region of China” [Biocatal. Agric. Biotechnol. 50 (2023) 102648]","authors":"Shengcai Han ,&nbsp;Sainan Zhang ,&nbsp;Yi Ouyang ,&nbsp;Xiaofang Yu ,&nbsp;Shuping Hu ,&nbsp;Qinggeer Borjigin ,&nbsp;Julin Gao","doi":"10.1016/j.bcab.2025.103566","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bcab.2025.103566","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":8774,"journal":{"name":"Biocatalysis and agricultural biotechnology","volume":"66 ","pages":"Article 103566"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143901988","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparative evaluation of pyrene degrading potential of three gram-negative bacterial strains: Acinetobacter baumannii BJ5, Acinetobacter pitti NFL, and Enterobacter cloacae BT","authors":"Bineypreet Kaur ,&nbsp;Shailendra Kumar Arya ,&nbsp;Jaspreet Kaur ,&nbsp;Bulbul Gupta ,&nbsp;Satwant Kaur Shahi","doi":"10.1016/j.bcab.2025.103564","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bcab.2025.103564","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In recent years, the presence of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), such as pyrene, exhibiting toxic behaviour towards microbes, flora, fauna, and humans, has escalated significantly. Notably, this research has exploited the remarkable capabilities of <em>Acinetobacter baumannii</em> BJ5, <em>Acinetobacter pitti</em> NFL, and <em>Enterobacter cloacae</em> BT to investigate the dynamics of pyrene mineralization, at substantially high-concentration over a range of 600–1000 mg/L concentration. Investigating biochemical pathways in biodegradation is crucial for understanding the intricate mechanisms underlying the growth, degradation, and environmental adaptation of the microorganisms. In the present study, metabolites generated during pyrene mineralization in <em>E. cloacae</em> BT were identified implicating phthalic acid pathway mediated biodegradation. The decomposition of pyrene by <em>E. cloacae</em> BT succeeded via initial ring oxidation and subsequent dehydrogenation to yield phthalic acid and pyrocatechol as the key intermediates. This research enhances our knowledge of pyrene degradation mechanisms in gram-negative bacteria, paving the way for proactive strategies to improve its removal from the contaminated environments.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8774,"journal":{"name":"Biocatalysis and agricultural biotechnology","volume":"65 ","pages":"Article 103564"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-03-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143705810","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Thymol rich essential oil from Assam ecotype of Ocimum gratissimum as a biocontrol agent for sheath blight disease of rice","authors":"Alinaj Yasin ,&nbsp;Bhaskar Dowarah ,&nbsp;Rosie Brahma ,&nbsp;Rijubanki Challam ,&nbsp;Chayanika Bora ,&nbsp;Pragya Permita Acharyya ,&nbsp;Olympica Das ,&nbsp;Amit Kumar Das ,&nbsp;Manoj Kumar Deka ,&nbsp;Anurag Kashyap","doi":"10.1016/j.bcab.2025.103563","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bcab.2025.103563","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Preventing crop losses caused by harmful plant pathogens through eco-friendly ways is paramount for food security and environmental sustainability. Envisioning this, the current study evaluates the biocontrol potential of essential oil extracted from <em>Ocimum gratissimum</em> from an Assam ecotype and its primary component, thymol, against <em>Rhizoctonia solani</em>, the pathogen causing sheath blight disease in rice. GC-MS analysis identified thymol as the dominant compound in the essential oil, contributing significantly to its antifungal activity. Both <em>O. gratissimum</em> essential oil and thymol showed strong <em>in-vitro</em> inhibition of <em>R. solani</em>, with complete growth inhibition at 1000 ppm, while thymol exhibited superior efficacy. Both agents also effectively inactivated sclerotia, a key survival mechanism of the pathogen. <em>In-planta</em> assays demonstrated a significant reduction in lesion size with <em>O. gratissimum</em> essential oil and thymol treatments, outperforming the chemical fungicide propiconazole. Thymol was particularly effective in reducing disease severity, making it a promising eco-friendly alternative. The unique phytochemical profile of the Assam ecotype of <em>O. gratissimum</em> further underscores its potential for sustainable disease management. These results underscore the potential of <em>O</em>. <em>gratissimum</em> essential oil and thymol as eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic fungicides. By reducing reliance on chemical inputs, their application can mitigate risks associated with fungicide resistance and environmental contamination while promoting sustainable disease management strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8774,"journal":{"name":"Biocatalysis and agricultural biotechnology","volume":"65 ","pages":"Article 103563"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143705809","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effect of green synthesized ZnO nanoparticles for growth promotion in Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br. validated through physio-biochemical and molecular analysis","authors":"Madhavi Shivhare,&nbsp;Sanchi Singh,&nbsp;Richa Omer,&nbsp;Jyoti Mathur","doi":"10.1016/j.bcab.2025.103562","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bcab.2025.103562","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Zinc is essential for plant metabolism and physiological function. Zinc activates a variety of plant enzyme functions includes protein synthesis, auxin production &amp; regulation, cellular membrane integrity preservation, glucose metabolism, and pollen formation. In this study, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) at varying concentrations (0, 50, 100, 150, 200, and 500 mg kg⁻¹) were used to observe the effects on <em>Pennisetum glaucum</em> over a 30-day period. The crop plant <em>P. glaucum</em> has been taken as an experimental plant due to its significant place in the food industry. Nanoparticles are green synthesized from <em>Azadirachta indica</em> and investigated using Ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–VIS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), Dynamic light scattering (DLS), and Zeta potential. The synthesized particles had an optimum size of 76.8 nm. Upon treatment of ZnO nanoparticles alpha-amylase, shoot and root length, biomass and photosynthetic pigments of plants increased slightly at 100 mg kg⁻¹ and 150 mg kg⁻¹.The total chlorophyll content of 150 mg kg⁻¹ ZnO NPs treated plants to that of control is around 45.33 % increased after 10 days and 47.75 % increased after 30 days. Upon ZnO NPs treatment, plants also showed a significant increase in antioxidant activity in <em>P. glaucum</em> at 100 mg kg⁻¹ and 150 mg kg⁻¹, whereas, the decline in the percentage at 200 and 500 mg kg⁻¹. Zinc oxide nanoparticles treatment indicated that at higher concentrations, nanoparticles are showing negative effects on free radical scavenging activity. At concentrations of 100 mg kg⁻¹ and 150 mg kg⁻¹ treatment, showed the best free radical scavenging activity and quenched DPPH free radicals by 31.39 % and 42.61 % after 10 days, 48 % and 55.65 % after 20 days and 54.69 % and 55.78 % after 30 days respectively. At the molecular level the expression of Transcription Factors (TF) genes; <em>ERF2</em> and <em>ERF</em>3 was higher, their activity increased by 7 and 5 folds respectively. The results indicate that 100 mg kg⁻¹ and 150 mg kg⁻¹ application of zinc oxide nanoparticle on pearl millet can enhance crop productivity and at the same time being less harmful for the environment. This study highlights how nanotechnology can be implemented effectively in agriculture at an optimum concentration.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8774,"journal":{"name":"Biocatalysis and agricultural biotechnology","volume":"65 ","pages":"Article 103562"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143697116","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}