Metabolic Profiling Analysis Uncovers the Role of Carbon Nanoparticles in Enhancing the Biological Activities of Amaranth in Optimal Salinity Conditions

Ahlem Zrig (), Abdelrahim H. A. Hassan, Shereen Magdy Korany, Emad A. Alsherif (), Samy Selim, Ali El-Keblawy, Ahmed M. El-Sawah, Mohamed S. Sheteiwy, Zainul Abideen and Hamada AbdElgawad
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Ahlem Zrig: Laboratory of Engineering Processes and Industrial Systems, Chemical Engineering Department, National School of Engineers of Gabes, University of Gabes, Gabes 6072, Tunisia
Abdelrahim H. A. Hassan: School of Biotechnology, Nile University, Giza 12588, Egypt
Shereen Magdy Korany: Department of Biology, College of Science, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
Emad A. Alsherif: Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62521, Egypt
Samy Selim: Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jouf University, Sakaka 72388, Saudi Arabia
Ali El-Keblawy: Department of Applied Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
Ahmed M. El-Sawah: Department of Agricultural Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
Mohamed S. Sheteiwy: Department of Applied Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
Zainul Abideen: Dr. Muhammad Ajmal Khan Institute of Sustainable Halophyte Utilization, University of Karachi, Karachi 75270, Pakistan
Hamada AbdElgawad: Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62521, Egypt

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 19, 1-18

Abstract: Enhancing the productivity and bioactivity of high-functional foods holds great significance. Carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) have a recognized capacity for boosting both plant growth and the efficacy of primary and secondary metabolites. Furthermore, while salinity diminishes plant growth, it concurrently amplifies the production of phytomolecules. To ensure the robust and sustainable production of nutritious food, it becomes essential to elevate biomolecule yield without compromising plant growth. Here, we assessed the CNPs priming on plant performance and metabolites of the glycophyte amaranth ( Amaranthus hypochondriacus ) sprouts at the threshold salinity (25 mM NaCl; i.e., salinity that does not reduce growth but enhances the metabolites of that plant). We measured growth parameters, pigment levels, and primary (carbohydrates, amino acids, organic acids, fatty acids) and secondary metabolites (phenolics, flavonoids, tocopherols). CNP priming significantly improved biomass accumulation (fresh and dry weight) and primary and secondary metabolites of amaranth sprouts. Increased photosynthetic pigments can explain these increases in photosynthesis. Enhanced photosynthesis induced carbohydrate production, providing a C source for producing bioactive primary and secondary metabolites. The priming effect of CNPs further enhanced the accumulation of essential amino acids, organic acids, unsaturated fatty acids, tocopherols, and phenolics at threshold salinity. The increase in bioactive metabolites under threshold salinity can explain the CNP priming impact on boosting the antioxidant activities (FRAP, DPPH, anti-lipid peroxidation, superoxide-anion-scavenger, hydroxyl-radical-scavenger, Fe-chelating and chain-breaking activity in aqueous and lipid phases) and antimicrobial activities against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and fungi. Overall, this study suggested that threshold salinity and CNP priming could be useful for enhancing amaranth sprouts’ growth and nutritional quality.

Keywords: amaranth sprouts; bioactive metabolites; carbon nanomaterials priming; threshold salinity (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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