Silver nanoparticles in the micropropagation of Campomanesia rufa (O. Berg) Nied

Abstract

With the advancement of nanotechnology, nanomaterials are beginning to be employed in different areas of science, including plant tissue culture. Among nanomaterials, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely used because of their antibacterial effects. However, knowledge about the effects of AgNPs on in vitro cultivation of plant species is poor. The present study aims to analyse the effects of AgNPs on the in vitro propagation of Campomanesia rufa. Nodal segments were sectioned and cultured in MS medium to induce buds. The MS medium was supplemented with benzylaminopurine, different concentrations of AgNPs or AgNO3. AgNPs were synthesized and characterized as a function of time. The shoots were analysed for number, height and fresh weight. Biochemical and light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were also performed. Data from the characterization of AgNPs demonstrate that the heating process for sterilization of the culture medium promotes an agglomeration of AgNPs. The lowest concentrations AgNPs (0.385, 0.77 and 1.54 mg L−1) did not affect the in vitro multiplication, since no significant differences were observed in relation to the control, as for the number, height and fresh weight of the shoots formed, however, in the treatments with 15.4 mg L−1 AgNPs and AgNO3, a reduction in the number of shoots was observed. No biochemical, morphological or anatomical changes were observed in the shoots formed. Concludes, AgNPs did not affect the in vitro multiplication at low concentrations but may cause more damage to plant development than the use of AgNO3, depending on the concentration used.