Integrated analysis of aluminum oxide nanoparticle effects on Camelina sativa performance and molecular signaling

The increasing prevalence of aluminum oxide nanoparticles (Al₂O₃-NPs) in various industries poses potential risks to agricultural systems, highlighting the need to better understand their impact on plant health. However, studies investigating their phytotoxicity, particularly in biofuel crops, remain limited. This study investigated the effects of Al₂O₃-NPs on an important biofuel crop, Camelina sativa (C. sativa), focusing on phenotypic variability, biochemical responses, and gene expression dynamics. Results indicate a non-linear dose-response relationship, with higher concentrations of Al₂O₃-NPs significantly inhibiting root length and leaf number, while lower concentrations promoted leaf length and shoot fresh weight. Biochemical analyses revealed increased oxidative stress at higher nanoparticle concentrations, as evidenced by elevated hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂₎ and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Gene expression analysis showed significant upregulation of stress response genes such as AECC1 and AKT1, suggesting the activation of adaptive molecular responses under Al₂O₃-NPs exposure. This study elucidates the complex interactions between Al₂O₃-NPs and plant systems, highlighting both inhibitory and stimulatory effects on growth, biochemical responses, and gene expression in C. sativa. These findings contribute to the broader understanding of nanoparticle phytotoxicity and support the development of safer and more sustainable agricultural application of nanotechnology.

The online version contains supplementary material available at https://doi.org/10.1007/s13205-026-05045-x.