Biosynthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles using Ochradenus arabicus and their physiological effect on Maerua oblongifolia raised in vitro

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are presently the most commonly generated engineered nanomaterials and are found in a wide range of agro-commercial products. The present study was designed to synthesize AgNPs biologically using Ochradenus arabicus leaves and investigate their effect on the morphophysiological properties of Maerua oblongifolia raised in vitro. Physicochemical methods (ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy were performed for characterization and for obtaining microphotographs of the AgNPs. Shoots of M. oblongifolia (2–3 cm) grown in Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with different concentrations of AgNPs (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, or 50 mg L(−1)) were used. Following 6 weeks of in vitro shoot regeneration, the shoot number, shoot length, leaf number, fresh weight, dry weight, chlorophyll content, total protein, proline level, and antioxidant enzyme activities of the plants were quantified. We found that 20 mg L(−1) AgNPs increased the shoot number, shoot length, fresh weight, dry weight, and chlorophyll content of the plants. The maximum total protein was recorded in plants that were administered the lowest dose of AgNPs (10 mg L(−1)), while high concentrations of AgNPs (40 and 50 mg L(−1)) increased the levels of proline and the enzymes superoxide dismutase and catalase. Our results indicate that green-synthesized AgNPs may be of agricultural and medicinal interest owing to their effects on plants in vitro.