Polysaccharide-Stabilized Selenium Nanoparticles Derived from Phellinus igniarius Regulate Growth and Metabolic...

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Nanotechnology
• Plant Physiology

Background:

• Conventional selenium fertilizers face stability issues.
• Polysaccharides can stabilize nanoparticles.
• Selenium nanoparticles (SH-SeNPs) offer potential for improved nutrient delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize Phellinus igniarius polysaccharide-stabilized selenium nanoparticles (SH-SeNPs).
• To evaluate the efficacy of SH-SeNPs as a foliar fertilizer for rice.
• To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of SH-SeNP-mediated growth promotion.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis and characterization of ~90 nm SH-SeNPs.
• Foliar application of SH-SeNPs to rice seedlings.
• Measurement of growth parameters (root and shoot length).
• Analysis of antioxidant capacity and redox homeostasis.
• Metabolomic analysis to investigate metabolic pathways.

Main Results:

• SH-SeNPs demonstrated excellent stability and enhanced antioxidant capacity.
• Foliar application significantly promoted rice early growth and biomass without oxidative stress.
• Specific increases in root and shoot length were observed at different SH-SeNP concentrations.
• SH-SeNPs maintained redox homeostasis via selective enzymatic regulation.
• Metabolomic data suggested metabolic reprogramming towards shikimate and phenylpropanoid pathways.

Conclusions:

• SH-SeNPs represent a stable and effective nano-biostimulant for rice.
• These nanoparticles act as both nutrient sources and metabolic regulators, promoting "efficient defense-robust growth".
• The findings provide mechanistic insights into polysaccharide-stabilized SeNPs' role in regulating rice growth and metabolism during early stages.
• SH-SeNPs show potential for enhancing seedling establishment in agriculture.