Bio-Inspired Nanocomposite Enhances Antioxidant Mechanisms in Wheat Under Heat Stress

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Scientists at the PMAS-Arid Agriculture University in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, have developed a novel selenium-iron (SeFe) nanocomposite to improve antioxidant mechanisms in wheat plants under heat stress. The researchers utilized a bio-inspired approach, leveraging the properties of the Buddleja asiatica plant extract to synthesize the SeFe nanocomposite. The efficacy of this innovative nanomaterial was tested on three wheat varieties, exhibiting significant improvements in antioxidant enzyme activity, protein content, and grain yield.

Key Takeaways:

  • The SeFe nanocomposite significantly enhanced superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity by 102%, 128%, and 116% in the Markaz-2019, NARC-Sup-2021, and Wafaq-2022 varieties, respectively.
  • Catalase (CAT) activity increased by 76%, 63%, and 89%, while peroxidase (POD) activity improved by 126%, 21%, and 13% in the respective varieties.
  • Protein content was increased by 124%, 148%, and 108% in the three varieties, while soluble sugars increased by 105%, 140%, and 109%.
  • Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels decreased by 209%, 177%, and 155% in the respective varieties.
  • Grain yield increased by 74%, 41%, and 94% in the Markaz-2019, NARC-Sup-2021, and Wafaq-2022 varieties, respectively.
  • The bio-inspired SeFe nanocomposite effectively mitigates oxidative damage by improving the plant's intrinsic antioxidant defense system.

Statistics:

  • 102% improvement in SOD activity in Markaz-2019
  • 128% increase in SOD activity in NARC-Sup-2021
  • 116% increase in SOD activity in Wafaq-2022
  • 76% increase in CAT activity in Markaz-2019
  • 63% increase in CAT activity in NARC-Sup-2021
  • 89% increase in CAT activity in Wafaq-2022
  • 126% increase in POD activity in Markaz-2019
  • 21% increase in POD activity in NARC-Sup-2021
  • 13% increase in POD activity in Wafaq-2022

Sources:

  • Efficacy of bio-inspired SeFe nanocomposite to improve protein content and antioxidant mechanism in wheat under heat stress. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2025:148081.
  • NewsRx. Recent Studies from PMAS-Arid Agriculture University Add New Data to Nanocomposites (Efficacy of bio-inspired SeFe nanocomposite to improve protein content and antioxidant mechanism in wheat under heat stress). Nanotechnology Weekly. October 20, 2025; p 2913.