Plant-derived chitosan nanoparticles: antibacterial and improved crop performance under drought stress

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Agricultural Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) offer potential in agriculture and medicine.
• Developing sustainable methods for CNP synthesis is crucial.
• Plant extracts can provide bioactive compounds for nanoparticle functionalization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize plant-assisted chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) using Adansonia digitata extract.
• To evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of these CNPs.
• To assess their role in enhancing seed germination under osmotic stress.

Main Methods:

• Ionic gelation of chitosan with TPP in the presence of Adansonia digitata extract.
• Characterization using UV-Vis spectroscopy, SEM, and TEM.
• Antimicrobial testing against E. coli, S. aureus, and MRSA.
• Seed germination assays under normal and PEG-induced osmotic stress.

Main Results:

• Efficient synthesis of spherical CNPs (average size 13.06 nm) with peak absorption at 339 nm.
• Significant antibacterial activity, especially against E. coli.
• Enhanced seed germination and plant growth under both normal and water-limited conditions.

Conclusions:

• Adansonia digitata extract facilitates CNP synthesis with enhanced properties.
• Plant-assisted CNPs exhibit potent antimicrobial activity and improve plant drought tolerance.
• This dual functionality presents a sustainable strategy for agricultural applications facing drought and pathogen challenges.