Investigation of the physiological effects of nano-silicon dioxide (sio2) on sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) plants

In this study, control and determination of relative water content in leaf tissues of Helianthus annuus L. (LG-5448) seedlings in different sizes and concentrations of SiO2NP, total protein content in root and leaf tissues, superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase enzyme activities, malondialdehyde (MDA), chlorophyll content, Si quantification, SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) and AFM (Atomic Force Microscopy) analyzes were performed. With the data we have obtained, it has been shown that NPs alleviate abiotic stress caused by plants' active defense system. It has been reported that NPs trigger ROT formation and have some toxic effects on plants. Regarding the mode of action of NPs, we can say that the current knowledge is new and variable to conclude the entire mechanism of action. Further studies are needed to determine whether the role of NPs in plants should be further investigated at the intracellular and molecular level, and whether NPs act as stress inhibitors and / or stress inducers.