Chitosan Nanoparticles as a Biostimulant During In Vitro Multiplication of Vanilla Using Temporary Immersion...

Area of Science:

• Plant Biotechnology
• Nanotechnology in Agriculture
• Plant Physiology

Background:

• Temporary immersion bioreactors (TIB) offer a semi-automated method for in vitro plant propagation.
• Chitosan nanoparticles (ChNPs) have potential applications in agriculture due to their biocompatibility and biodegradability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of varying chitosan nanoparticle (ChNP) concentrations on in vitro shoot proliferation of vanilla.
• To assess the physiological and biochemical responses of vanilla shoots exposed to ChNPs in a TIB system.

Main Methods:

• Vanilla explants were cultured in Murashige and Skoog medium within temporary immersion bioreactors (TIB).
• Chitosan nanoparticles (ChNPs) were applied at concentrations ranging from 0 to 400 mg/L.
• Evaluated parameters included survival rate, growth variables, photosynthetic pigments, lipid peroxidation, total phenolic content (TPC), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC).

Main Results:

• Optimal survival rates were observed at low ChNP concentrations (0-50 mg/L).
• Growth stimulation and increased chlorophyll and beta-carotene content were noted at 25 and 50 mg/L ChNPs.
• Total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity increased at higher ChNP concentrations (100-400 mg/L).

Conclusions:

• Chitosan nanoparticles exhibit a hormetic effect on vanilla shoot proliferation, stimulating growth at low doses and inhibiting it at high doses.
• ChNPs can enhance photosynthetic pigment content and antioxidant capacity in vanilla under specific concentrations.
• The findings suggest potential for optimizing ChNP application in vanilla micropropagation for improved yield and quality.