Electromagnetic Field Improved Nanoparticle Impact on Antioxidant Activity and Secondary Metabolite Production in Anthemis gilanica Seedlings

Electromagnetic field (EMF) causes fundamental alternations in biological systems. In this study, we studied the effects of EMF on physiological responses and secondary metabolites production in SiO2 NP-treated Anthemis gilanica plants. The results indicated that EMF improved plant growth by inducing chlorophyll and carotenoid content, which led to enhanced biomass in SiO2 NP-treated plants. EMF enhanced adventitious roots in SiO2 NP-treated plants. EMF treatment improved the activity of antioxidative enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase in both control and SiO2 NP-treated plants. EMF and SiO2 NP treatments significantly declined hydrogen peroxide content in A. gilanica plants. Although protein content was reduced by SiO2 NP treatment, combined application of EMF with SiO2 NP caused a significant induction in protein content. Our results presented that EMF induced secondary metabolites accumulation such as flavonoid and phenol in SiO2 NP-treated A. gilanica plants. This work can open prospects for the production of the pharmaceutically high-value secondary metabolites.

Automated summary

The study showed that electromagnetic field (EMF) had significant effects on the growth and secondary metabolite production of SiO2 NP-treated Anthemis gilanica plants, including promoting plant growth, increasing biomass, and enhancing antioxidative enzyme activity. Additionally, EMF not only reduced hydrogen peroxide content but also induced the accumulation of secondary metabolites, suggesting potential for the production of high-value pharmaceutical secondary metabolites.