Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles Enhance Plant Growth and Antioxidant Responses

Strategic Insights -

Research conducted by the Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education in Jalisco, Mexico has shown that titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs) can enhance the growth of Capsicum annuum cultivars together with plant growth-promoting microorganisms (PGPMs). The study analyzed the physiological parameters and antioxidant responses of chili peppers treated with TiO2-NPs, and found that they promoted root growth, increased the activity of certain enzymes, and upregulated the total chlorophyll content.

Key Takeaways:

  • TiO2-NPs exhibited a nanocuboid-type morphology, negative surface charge, and small surface area.
  • The nanoparticles enhanced the CFU and spore production of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) and Trichoderma harzianum (Th) by 1.56-2.92 x 10^8 CFU/mL and 2.50-3.90 x 10^8 spores/mL, respectively.
  • TiO2-NPs scavenge DPPH, ABTS, and H2O2 radicals with an IC50 of 48.66-109.94 mg/mL, while not compromising the viability of Artemia salina at 50-300 mg/mL.
  • The synergy of TiO2-NPs with Bt and Th increased the activity of β-1,3-Glucanase and peroxidase enzyme activity, and increased the total phenolic content (TPC) by 29.50 GA/g FW.
  • The total chlorophyll content was upregulated by 210.8 ± 11.4 mg/mg FW.

Statistics:

  • 1.56-2.92 x 10^8 CFU/mL: enhancement of CFU production of Bt
  • 2.50-3.90 x 10^8 spores/mL: enhancement of spore production of Th
  • 48.66-109.94 mg/mL: IC50 value for scavenging DPPH, ABTS, and H2O2 radicals
  • 29.50 GA/g FW: increase in TPC
  • 210.8 ± 11.4 mg/mg FW: increase in total chlorophyll content

Sources:

  • Synergistic Effect of TiO2-Nanoparticles and Plant Growth-Promoting Microorganisms on the Physiological Parameters and Antioxidant Responses of Capsicum annuum Cultivars. Antioxidants, 2025,14(6):707.
  • doi: 10.3390/antiox14060707.