Pleotropic Roles of Biosynthesized Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles on Morphological, Physiological and Molecular Aspects on Brassica napus

T HE AIM of this study was to determine how cerium dioxide nanoparticles (CeO 2 NPs) affect the growth and physiology of Brassica napus plants. CeO 2 NPs were biosynthesized using Aloe Vera extract and characterized using a UV-visible spectrophotometer, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Zeta potential, and particle size (DLS) as well as transmission electron microscopy. Following foliar treatment with 250, 500, and 1000ppm of CeO 2 NPs, the growth, and metabolism of Brassica napus were evaluated. Exposure to 500ppm CeO 2 NPs significantly enhanced morphological characteristics, antioxidant enzymes, phenol content, tocopherol, and chlorophyll content as well as carotenoid levels in B. napus . Assessment of oxidative stress in B. napus leaves treated with 500 CeO 2 NPs showed high levels of super oxide anion radical (o 2 ·¯) and hydrogen peroxide and low content of MDA, as well as inhibition in the activity of Lipoxygenase enzyme. Histochemical staining of B. napus leaves using nitro blue tetrazolium confirms the role of spraying of 500ppm of CeO 2 NPs in the accumulation of oxidative molecules in leaves. Gene expression assay for SOD and MT highlighted the role of CeO 2 NPs in the regulation of stress-related genes in tested plants. The changes in ultrastructure of Brassica napus leaves treated or untreated with 500ppm of CeO 2 NPs for two weeks were examined using a transmission electron microscope.