Possibilities of using nanoparticles in vitro sterilization and micropropagation of artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.)

Micropropagation offers a valuable alternative to traditional methods for artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) propagation, but persistent microbial contamination remains a significant challenge, often requiring the use of potentially phytotoxic sterilization agents. This master's thesis research aimed to optimize the in vitro sterilization and micropropagation protocol for Bayrampaşa artichoke explants, specifically exploring the efficacy of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and zinc nanoparticles (ZnNPs) as both antimicrobial and growth-promoting agents. Preliminary experiments revealed high contamination rates with conventional sterilization methods, necessitating protocol refinements through several iterative steps. The experiment, conducted at the Güney Agripark Tarımsal Araştırmalar laboratory, evaluated the growth and development of artichoke offshoot explants cultured on a modified Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal medium supplemented with varying concentrations (1, 2, and 3 mg/L) of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) or zinc nanoparticles (ZnNPs), alongside a nanoparticle-free control. After eight week, a quantitative assessment revealed significant variation in explant growth length among the different treatments. Medium supplemented with 2 mg/L Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs) yielded the most substantial explant elongation, with one explant reaching 6 cm. Other treatments produced varied growth responses. No growth was observed in the medium supplemented with 2 mg/L ZnNPs. In contrast, the control medium supported moderate shoot elongation (2.8 cm), while the medium containing 3 mg/L AgNPs promoted the highest number of leaves per explant. Initial observations also suggested positive growth effects from 3 mg/L ZnNPs and 1 mg/L AgNPs. The findings indicate that incorporating silver and zinc nanoparticles into the culture medium can positively influence the in vitro growth and development of Bayrampaşa artichoke explants, highlighting the potential of specific nanoparticle concentrations, particularly 3 mg/L AgNPs, as beneficial supplements for micropropagation protocols.