Facilitating Seed Iron Uptake through Amine-Epoxide Microgels: A Novel Approach to Enhance Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) Germination

Author(s):Show less -

Alves, Felipe B. ; Andrada, Heber E. ; Fico, Bruno A. ; Reinaldi, Julia S. ; Tavares, Denise C. ; Squarisi, Iara S. ; Montanha, Gabriel Sgarbiero ; Nuevo, Laura G. ; de Carvalho, Hudson W. P. ; Perez, Carlos A. ; Molina, Eduardo F.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry; v. 72, n. 26, p. 11-pg., 2024-06-18.

Abstract

Enhancing the initial stages of plant growth by using polymeric gels for seed priming presents a significant challenge. This study aimed to investigate a microgel derived from polyetheramine-poly(propylene oxide) (PPO) and a bisepoxide (referred to as micro-PPO) as a promising alternative to optimize the seed germination process. The micro-PPO integrated with an iron micronutrient showed a positive impact on seed germination compared with control (Fe solutions) in which the root length yield improved up to 39%. Therefore, the element map by synchrotron-based X-ray fluorescence shows that the Fe intensities in the seed primers with the micro-PPO-Fe gel are about 3-fold higher than those in the control group, leading to a gradual distribution of Fe species through most internal embryo tissues. The use of micro-PPO for seed priming underscores their potential for industrial applications due to the nontoxicity results in zebrafish assays and environmentally friendly synthesis of the water-dispersible monomers employed. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 22/13408-7 - Micro- and nanogel based on polyetheramine-bisepoxide as new carrier for controlled release of plant micronutrients
• Grantee: Felipe Breda Alves
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• FAPESP's process: 22/06507-9 - Micronutrient simultaneous release from nanogels based on polyetheramines and bisepoxide
• Grantee: Heber Eduardo Andrada
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 21/14619-9 - Multi-user Equipment approved in grant 2021/06552-1: equipment DLS/zeta potential
• Grantee: Eduardo Ferreira Molina
• Support Opportunities: Multi-user Equipment Program
• FAPESP's process: 21/06552-1 - TASTYGEL: sustainable release of nutrients by smart micro- and nanogels based on polyetheramines-bisepoxide for Agriculture purposes
• Grantee: Eduardo Ferreira Molina
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants - Phase 2
• FAPESP's process: 20/07721-9 - Time-resolved element mapping and characterization of storage proteins during soybean seeds development: a bottom-up strategy to increase protein content and quality
• Grantee: Gabriel Sgarbiero Montanha
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)