Silicon dioxide nanoparticles as a protective agent against As(III) toxicity in Vigna mungo L. Hepper

The toxicity of As(III) significantly disrupts the growth and development of plants. In this study, black gram plants were exposed to 75 μM NaAsO₂ and 10 mg/L SiO₂ NPs, and various physiological, biochemical, and molecular changes were observed. Arsenic toxicity led to a notable reduction in plant development, accompanied by an accumulation of ROS and disturbances in proline levels due to electrolyte production. Treating As(III) contaminated black gram with SiO₂ NPs resulted in increased root length and chlorophyll content, while decreasing ROS levels. The application of SiO₂ NPs effectively mitigated As(III) toxicity by enhancing the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as peroxidase, catalase, glutathione, and superoxide dismutase, consequently reducing lipid peroxidation attributed to lower ROS production. RNA-seq analysis revealed several differentially expressed genes. Additionally, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy was utilized to explore the plant's capability to remove arsenic, identifying ligands such as O-H, C-O, C-C, and C-H that aid in the accumulation of heavy metals in plant tissues. An investigation using HR-LC/MS unveiled about 199 potential phytochemical components. A SwissADME analysis of these compounds showed that 136 out of 199 compounds followed Lipinski's rule. The bioavailability radar determined that 71 of these phytoconstituents had good oral bioavailability. Overall, the study indicates that the phytoconstituents that were found to have a shedload of pharmacological potential. The overall study showed that identified potential phytochemical compounds with pharmaceutical values, showing promise for drug development.