Synthesized Fe3O4 nanoparticles induce antioxidant activity and total phenolic and flavonoid contents in Matricaria chamomilla seedlings

This study was conducted in order to determine the effects of different concentrations of synthesized Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) on the growth, the content of secondary metabolites, and antioxidant capacity in Matricaria chamomilla. To this end, four levels of Fe3O4 NPs concentrations were applied as follows: basic Murashige and Skoog solution (control), 25, 50, and 100 mg L-1Fe3O4 NPs, and sterilized seeds were cultured in these media. Results indicated that the biomass was higher in the plants treated with 25 mg L-1Fe3O4 NPs than in the control plants. On the other hand, biomass declined in 50 and 100 mg L-1 Fe3O4-exposed plants compared with the unexposed plants. Relative water content gradually decreased with the enhancement of Fe3O4 concentration. Fe3O4 NPs in 50 and 100 mg L-1 caused a significant induction in the number of roots. Fe3O4NPs treatment enhanced the production of secondary metabolites such as total phenol and total flavonoid in roots and leaves of M. chamomilla. Moreover, Fe3O4 NPs increased the antioxidant capacity of the roots and leaves by inducing DPPH scavenging activity in 25 mg L-1 Fe3O4 NPs. The results may suggest that the application of Fe3O4 NPs can be a useful way for increasing the higher content of secondary metabolites in the M. chamomilla plants.