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This study aims to evaluate the phytotoxic and genotoxic effects of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles on Vicia faba seedlings.

May 15, 2026Discover Plants.1 citationsOpen Access

Dose dependent phytotoxic and genotoxic effects of synthesized hydroxyapatite nanoparticles on Vicia faba seedlings

KJKarima JalaliCenter of Biotechnogy of Borj Cédria SBSabrine BenmoussaCenter of Biotechnogy of Borj Cédria RNRania NasraCenter of Biotechnogy of Borj Cédria

Key Points

This study aims to evaluate the phytotoxic and genotoxic effects of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles on Vicia faba seedlings.
HAP-NPs were synthesized via the wet chemical precipitation method.
30-day-old Vicia faba plants were exposed to varying concentrations of HAP-NPs (500 and 1000 mg L−1).
Physiological and cytotoxicity assessments, including enzymatic activity and genotoxicity assays, were conducted.
Exposure to 500 and 1000 mg L−1 HAP-NPs significantly reduced shoot elongation and biomass accumulation (p < 0.05).
HAP-NPs treatment led to increased superoxide anion generation, enhanced SOD activity, and varied catalase activity at different concentrations.
A significant reduction in mitotic index and increased frequency of micronuclei and chromosomal anomalies were observed in root tissues, especially at 1000 mg L−1.

Abstract

Hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HAP-NPs) have gained attention as a potential alternative to conventional fertilizers. However, recent studies reported their possible phytotoxic effects, necessitating evaluation of their biological impacts. In this study, HAP-NPs were synthesized using the wet chemical precipitation method and the successful synthesis was confirmed by various physico-chemical techniques. The effect of synthesized HAP-NPs was evaluated on 30-day-old faba bean (Vicia faba var. Saber 02) plants. Physiological analysis revealed that exposure of V. faba seedlings to HAP-NPs concentrations of 500 and 1000 mg L−1 significantly (p < 0.05) reduced shoot elongation and biomass accumulation. Cytotoxicity assessments in V. faba leaves indicated that HAP-NPs induced the generation of superoxide anion radicals (O2•−) and increased lipid peroxidation. Interestingly, electrolyte leakage (EL) decreased following HAP-NPs treatment. Concurrently, exposure to HAP-NPs markedly reduced membrane lipid content and altered fatty acid composition. Enzymatic assays showed that superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was enhanced at both concentrations, whereas catalase activity (CAT) increased at 500 mg L−1 but declined at 1000 mg L−1 compared to control. Guaiacol peroxidase (GPX) activity remained unchanged at the lower dose but exhibited a slight increase at the higher concentration. Genotoxicity assays further revealed a significant reduction in the mitotic index (MI), accompanied by an elevated frequency of micronuclei (MN) and chromosomal anomalies (CA) in root meristematic tissue, particularly at the higher HAP-NPs concentration. These findings highlight the dose-dependent nature of HAP-NPs effects and underscore the importance of careful risk assessment to ensure their safe application in agriculture and environmental management.

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