How Tiny Particles Impact Gene Activity and Biochemistry in Peppermint Plants

Greg Howard
12th June, 2024

How Tiny Particles Impact Gene Activity and Biochemistry in Peppermint Plants

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • The study by the Sana Institute examined the effects of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2NPs) on peppermint plants
  • Higher concentrations of TiO2NPs significantly altered the expression of genes involved in menthol production
  • TiO2NPs induced oxidative stress in peppermint plants, but the plants also showed adaptive responses to this stress
Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2NPs) have been a subject of increasing scrutiny due to their widespread use in various industries, including food production. Recently, researchers from the Sana Institute conducted a study to investigate the impact of TiO2NPs on gene expression related to menthol biosynthesis and selected biochemical parameters in peppermint plants (Mentha piperita L.)[1]. Menthol, the primary active ingredient in peppermint, is synthesized through a series of biochemical pathways involving key genes such as geranyl diphosphate synthase, menthone reductase, and menthofuran synthase. The study aimed to understand how different concentrations of TiO2NPs (50, 100, 200, and 300 ppm) applied via foliar spray affect these pathways and the overall health of peppermint plants. The research is particularly relevant given the existing knowledge about peppermint's diverse biological activities, including its antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties[2]. Understanding how TiO2NPs influence menthol production could have significant implications for both the agricultural and pharmaceutical industries. To conduct the study, peppermint seedlings were treated with varying concentrations of TiO2NPs. After three weeks, leaf samples were collected and stored at -70°C for subsequent analysis. The researchers focused on measuring changes in gene expression related to menthol biosynthesis and assessing selected biochemical parameters. The findings revealed that TiO2NPs had a notable impact on the expression of genes involved in menthol biosynthesis. Specifically, higher concentrations of TiO2NPs led to a significant alteration in the expression levels of geranyl diphosphate synthase, menthone reductase, and menthofuran synthase. These changes suggest that TiO2NPs can influence the metabolic pathways responsible for menthol production. In addition to gene expression, the study also examined various biochemical parameters to assess the overall health of the peppermint plants. The researchers measured the levels of photosynthetic pigments, lipid peroxidation, phenols, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and free proline. These parameters are commonly used as stress markers in plants and provide insights into how plants respond to external stimuli[3]. Interestingly, the study found that TiO2NPs induced oxidative stress in peppermint plants, as evidenced by increased levels of H2O2 and lipid peroxidation. This oxidative stress could potentially disrupt cellular functions and affect plant growth and development. However, the plants also exhibited adaptive responses, such as elevated levels of phenols and free proline, which are known to play protective roles under stress conditions[3]. The research also aligns with previous studies on the effects of various chemicals on plant stress responses. For instance, calcium (Ca2+), nitric oxide (NO), and abscisic acid (ABA) are known to play crucial roles in integrating stress signals and modulating plant responses[3]. The findings from the Sana Institute suggest that TiO2NPs could be another factor influencing these complex signaling pathways, thereby affecting plant health and productivity. Moreover, the study's results are consistent with earlier research on the toxicity and environmental impact of TiO2NPs. For example, a study on the dietary exposure to TiO2NPs among the Chinese population highlighted the potential health risks associated with these nanoparticles, particularly for children[4]. The current research adds another layer of understanding by showing how TiO2NPs can affect plant systems, which could have downstream effects on human health and the environment. In conclusion, the study conducted by the Sana Institute provides valuable insights into the impact of TiO2NPs on peppermint plants. By altering gene expression related to menthol biosynthesis and inducing oxidative stress, TiO2NPs can significantly influence the metabolic and physiological functions of these plants. These findings underscore the need for further research to fully understand the implications of nanoparticle exposure in agricultural systems and their potential risks to human health.

BiotechBiochemPlant Science

References

Main Study

1) Studying the impact of titanium dioxide nanoparticles on the expression of pivotal genes related to menthol biosynthesis and certain biochemical parameters in peppermint plants (Mentha Piperita L.)

Published 11th June, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12870-024-05228-9

Related Studies

2) Ethnomedicinal, phytochemical and pharmacological updates on Peppermint (Mentha × piperita L.)-A review.

https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.6664

3) Chemical signaling under abiotic stress environment in plants.

Journal: Plant signaling & behavior, Issue: Vol 3, Issue 8, Aug 2008

4) Characterization of titanium dioxide nanoparticles in confectionary products and estimation of dietary exposure level among the Chinese population.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.impact.2022.100435


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