Study of the effects of Microcrystalline cellulose and Nanocrystalline cellulose on the polyphenolic content of in vitro-grown shoots of Artemisia absinthium

Abstract

Introduction: Since the production of secondary metabolites under natural conditions is limited, the discovery and development of alternative methods have always been of interest to researchers. The plant tissue culture method is one of the techniques with the potential to produce secondary metabolites on an industrial scale. Aims: Study of the effects of MCC and NCC on the production of secondary metabolites of in vitro-grown shoots of Artemisia absinthium Methods: The Sterilized seeds were cultured in MS medium. The grown shoots were used for explanting. The prepared explants were transferred to the control and treated mediums. After growth and harvesting, the shoots extract was analyzed by proper analysis methods (spectrophotometry, GC-MS, LC-MS). subsequently, the content of secondary metabolites as well as growth parameters was evaluated before and after treatment with elicitors. Results: Treatment with 3 and 1.5 g/L of MCC and 6 g/L of NCC significantly increased the stem length of treated shoots. Concentration of 1.5 g/l of MCC showed a significant increase in fresh and dry weight as well. The highest antioxidant activity was observed in MCC 1.5 g/l and the lowest in NCC 6 g/l. The volatile compounds were predominantly non-terpenoid and all treatments were poor regarding the production of terpenoid compounds. Except for 1.5 g/L MCC, all treatments reduced the number of volatile compounds compared to the control. Some treatments stimulated the production of ferulic acid and salicyclic acid, which were not found in the control. Besides, some of them enhanced the level of gallic acid and p-coumaric acid as well. Microscopic images of the leave surface showed that both elicitors at the concentration of 1.5 g/l increased the number of stomata and glandular trichomes. Conclusion: Both MCC and NCC at optimized concentrations can potentially be used as an elicitor in plant media. In the present study, the lowest concentration of MCC was the best concentration to promote the growth and production of secondary metabolites.