Biological Properties Of Spinacea Oleracea Using Gold Nanoparticles

• Published in: Frontiers in health informatics pp. 6719 - 6737
• Main Authors: Poludasu, Prabhakar, Babu, K. Suresh
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.07.2025
• ISSN: 2676-7104; 2676-7104
• DOI: 10.63682/fhi2638

Nanotechnology has brought about a sea change in the field of plant sciences by providing new ways to improve plant development, biochemical make-up, and pharmacological effects. An essential leafy vegetable with great nutritional and medicinal value, Spinacia oleracea (spinach) is the subject of this study that investigates the biological effects of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The remarkable physicochemical properties of AuNPs render them exceptionally useful in regulating plant metabolism, antioxidant capacity, and resistance to microbes. To create AuNPs, this study used a green synthesis method. Then, it looked at how these nanoparticles affected different biochemical and physiological processes in S. oleracea. The effects of AuNPs on S. oleracea growth, chlorophyll biosynthesis, enzymatic activities, and secondary metabolite production were examined in a thorough evaluation. Plant biomass, root and shoot elongation, and photosynthetic efficiency are all markedly improved by the addition of AuNPs, according to the experimental results. Plant defense mechanisms and human health are greatly aided by bioactive compounds like carotenoids, flavonoids, and phenolics, which were found to accumulate more in the treated plants. Furthermore, the plant's antioxidant activity was significantly enhanced after being exposed to AuNPs. This was demonstrated by the elevated levels of the enzymes peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), all of which help to reduce the effects of oxidative stress. In addition, antimicrobial testing showed that S. oleracea extracts treated with AuNPs had a stronger inhibitory effect on harmful bacterial and fungal varieties. This data points to the possibility of using AuNPs in pharmaceutical formulations, food preservation, and agricultural disease management. Sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional antimicrobial agents can be found through the controlled application of AuNPs, as their antimicrobial efficacy was dose dependent. Addressing potential toxicity concerns is essential, even though the findings show that AuNPs enhance the biological properties of S. oleracea. The necessity for meticulous concentration optimization is highlighted by the fact that oxidative stress and cellular damage were outcomes of overexposure to AuNPs. Determining the long-term environmental effects of AuNP-induced metabolic changes and understanding the molecular mechanisms by which they occur should be the goals of future studies. Food safety evaluations can also benefit from research into the bioavailability and possible accumulation of AuNPs in plant tissues. In conclusion, this study highlights the transformative potential of AuNPs in boosting the growth, biochemical profile, and antimicrobial efficacy of Spinacia oleracea. The results pave the way for the development of nanotechnology-based sustainable agricultural practices and plant-derived therapeutic applications. Harnessing the beneficial properties of AuNPs in controlled and eco-friendly manners can significantly contribute to enhancing global food security, improving human health, and fostering sustainable crop production strategies.