How to Get More Silver? Culture Media Adjustment Targeting Surge of Silver Nanoparticle Penetration in Apricot Tissue during in Vitro Micropropagation

Abstract

The use of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) is increasing nowadays due to their applications against phytopathogens. Temporary Immersion Systems (TIS) allow the micropropagation of plants in liquid media. This work aims to develop an effective protocol for apricot micropropagation in TIS and to study the necessary conditions to introduce AgNPs in apricot plants, as well as the effect of its application on proliferation-related parameters. AgNPs were introduced in different media at a concentration of 100 mg L−1 to test the incorporation of silver to plant tissues. Silver content analysis was made by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The effect of initial shoot density and the addition of AgNPs on micropropagation were evaluated after four weeks in culture on TIS. Productivity, proliferation, shoot-length and leave surface were measured. The better micropropagation rate was obtained with 40 initial shoots, 2 min of immersion every 6 h and 3 min of aeration every 3 h. To introduce AgNPs in apricot plants it is necessary to culture them in liquid media without chloride in its composition. These results will contribute to the development of an in vitro protocol for virus inhibition by AgNPs application. This depends on the introduction of Ag nanoparticles within the plant tissues, and this is not possible if AgNPs after interaction with Cl- ions precipitate as silver chloride salts.