Effect of Ascophyllum nodosum and green-synthesized silver nanoparticles on in vitro axillary shoot proliferation and biochemical profile of Paulownia elongata shoots
摘要
Paulownia elongata, a fast-growing tree with medicinal, ornamental and timber value, faces propagation challenges through traditional methods. In vitro culture offers a solution for mass propagation. This study investigated the effects of seaweed (Ascophyllum nodosum) extract (SWA) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on in vitro axillary shoot regeneration of P. elongata and the biochemical profile of the regenerated shoots. Shoot tips of P. elongata were cultured for four weeks on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with varying concentrations of SWA (0.25–6% v/v) and AgNPs (20, 40 mg L⁻¹). AgNPs at 20 mg L⁻¹ significantly enhanced shoot proliferation (3.23 shoots/explant, 17.69 leaves/explant) compared to the control. While lower concentrations of SWA (0.5–3.0%) supported shoot and leaf development, 6% SWA was detrimental. The highest total phenolic content was observed in shoots treated with 40 mg L⁻¹ AgNPs (1666.9 mg GAE 100 g⁻¹), while the highest antioxidant activity was found in shoots grown on 1% and 6% SWA (62% and 64% DPPH inhibition, respectively). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed distinct phenolic profiles across treatments, with 3% SWA enriching vanillic and sinapic acids, and AgNPs increasing chlorogenic acid. Employing media prepared with SWA (0.5–1% v/v), sucrose and gelled with 0.8% (w/v) agar for regeneration showed a potential in vitro shoot and leaf production and root growth compared to MS-based media. The present study indicated that while AgNPs enhanced shoot proliferation and phenolic content, seaweed extract demonstrated potential as a partial, cost-effective substitute for synthetic media components in axillary shoot regeneration. The varying phenolic profiles and antioxidant activities suggest complex interactions, offering opportunities for tailored biostimulant applications to enrich specific phytochemicals in Paulownia.