Effect of SiO2 nanoparticles on phytochemical and anatomical alterations in Anthemis gilanica

In this research, effects of SiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) on the growth, antioxidant properties, and phenolic and flavonoid contents were investigated in Anthemis gilanica plants from the Asteraceae family. Following seed germination, seedlings were cultured under Hoagland growth media and were treated with different concentrations of SiO2NPs (0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 g L-1). The results showed that SiO2 NPs significantly enhanced relative water content (RWC), dry and fresh weights, and shoot length especially at 4 g L-1, but decreased root length with increasing concentrations of NPs. Xylem number and size, and stele diameter increased up to 6 g L-1, and then decreased at higher concentration. Total phenol and flavonoid contents increased under different concentrations of SiO2 NPs, and the maximum content was observed at 6 g L-1. Moreover, SiO2 NPs increased antioxidant activity of extracts by reducing IC50 content especially at 6 g L-1. In conclusion, this study proposes that SiO2 NPs can improve growth and bioactive compounds in A. gilanica by induction of anatomical alterations.