Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 27, 2025

Improved UPLC-UV Method for the Quantification of Vitamin C in Lettuce Varieties Lactuca sativa L. and Crop Wild Relatives Lactuca spp.
Published on: June 30, 2020
CuO-NPs Improve Biosynthesis of Bioactive Compounds in Lettuce
Jazmín M Gaucin-Delgado1, Adriel Ortiz-Campos1, Luis G Hernandez-Montiel2
1Tecnológico Nacional de Mexico, Instituto Tecnológico de Torreón, Carretera Torreón-San Pedro km 7.5, Torreón 27170, Mexico.
Abstract:
The application of metallic nanoparticles improves the yield and content of bioactive compounds in plants. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of the foliar application of copper nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) in the yield and content of bioactive compounds in lettuce. Different concentrations of CuO-NPs (0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 6 mg mL-1) were applied in lettuce. The yield, nutraceutical quality, and enzymatic activity were determined. Foliar spraying of CuO-NPs induced an increase in the biosynthesis of bioactive compounds. In addition to an increase in the activity of the enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in lettuce plants, there were no negative effects on yield. Therefore, with the application of CuO-NPs, better quality lettuces are produced for the human diet due to the higher production of bioactive compounds.
Related Concept Videos
Key Elements for Plant Nutrition
Overview of Metabolism
Plant Metabolism
Sunlight, the primary source of energy in plants, is first absorbed by the chlorophyll pigments present in their leaves. Plants then use this energy to carry out photosynthesis, where water is oxidized into oxygen and carbon dioxide...
Biosynthesis of Nucleic Acids

