Molecular insights: Proteomic and metabolomic dissection of plasma-induced growth and functional compound...

This study investigated the impact of plasma-activated water (PAW) on Raphanus sativus (radish) roots at the level of proteins and metabolites. PAW treatment induced the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitrogen oxide species (NO_x) in radish and enhanced the activities of antioxidant enzymes. Proteomic analysis resulted in the identification of 6054 proteins, including 1845 PAW-modulated proteins that were majorly associated with energy metabolism, ROS-detoxification, phytohormones signaling, and biosynthesis of glucosinolates. Subsequent metabolomics analysis identified 314 metabolites, of which 194 showed significant differences in response to PAW treatment. In particular, PAW treatment triggered the accumulation of functional compounds such as vitamin C, vitamin B5, glutathione, and glucosinolates, the well-known characteristic compounds of the Brassicaceae family. Further, integrating proteomics and metabolomics data provided novel insights into the molecular mechanism governing plasma-induced growth and the accumulation of these functional compounds in radish plants.