Research in Plant Metabolites

Research in Plant Metabolites

Evaluation of the Effects of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles on Oxidative Stress Induction and Stimulation of Secondary Metabolite Biosynthesis in Artemisia annua L. Cell Suspension Cultures

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Iman Khaldari 1
Esmaeil Afshoon 2
Seyyed Sajad Hoseini Nik 3
1 Department of Agronomy and Plant Breeding, Agricultural and Natural Resources College, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran.
2 Crop and Horticultural Science Research Department, South Khorasan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, AREEO, Birjand, Iran.
3 Central Laboratory, Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University of Khuzestan, Mollasani, Iran.
10.22034/jrpsm.2026.561708.1100
Abstract
Plant secondary metabolites are recognized as bioactive and valuable compounds in the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries. Limitations in the natural production of these metabolites, along with ecological risks associated with the overharvesting of medicinal plants, have made the application of biotechnological approaches, such as plant tissue and cell culture and elicitation of biosynthetic pathways, a research and industrial necessity. This study aimed to investigate the effects of concentration and incubation time of green‑synthesized copper oxide nanoparticles on oxidative responses and the accumulation of phenolic and flavonoid compounds in Artemisia annua L. cell suspension cultures. Cells were treated with three nanoparticle concentrations (0, 20, and 40 µg ml⁻¹) for three incubation periods (24, 48, and 72 h), and H₂O₂ content, activities of catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, and guaiacol peroxidase, as well as total phenolic and flavonoid contents, were quantified. Results demonstrated that 20 µg ml⁻¹ induced a controlled increase in H₂O₂, enhanced catalase and ascorbate peroxidase activities, and led to the highest accumulation of phenolics and flavonoids at 72 h. Treatment with 40 µg ml⁻¹ had a stimulatory effect at 24 h; however, prolonged exposure intensified oxidative stress, resulting in marked reductions in phenolic and flavonoid contents. The observed patterns suggest that oxidative stress and H₂O₂ accumulation may contribute to defense responses and regulation of biosynthetic pathways. These findings highlight the importance of precisely controlling nanoparticle concentration and treatment duration to harness stimulatory effects while avoiding oxidative damage, and underscore the potential of plant cell culture systems for secondary metabolite production.
Keywords
Oxidative
Elicitor
Flavonoid
Phenol and Tissue culture.
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