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Background and aims <p>Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic and bioaccumulative element introduced into agricultural systems through phosphate&#xa0;fertilizers, anthropogenic inputs, and accidental contamination, thereby endangering crop productivity and food safety. Its high mobility in soil also raises concerns regarding environmental dispersal and ecological exposure. Silica nanoparticles (SiO₂ NPs) have been proposed as mitigators of metal-induced stress, yet their effects in soybean remain unclear. We tested whether substrate-applied SiO₂ NPs (400&#xa0;mg·kg⁻<sup>1</sup>) could alleviate Cd toxicity across concentrations ranging from environmentally relevant to severely contaminated levels (0, 8, 16, and 64&#xa0;mg·kg⁻<sup>1</sup>).</p> Methods <p>Non-transgenic (NTS) and transgenic (TS) soybean genotypes were evaluated through integrated morphological, physiological, biochemical, and substrate analyses.</p> Results <p>SiO₂ NPs increased Cd concentrations in the extractable fraction of the substrate (45.1% → 54.8% at 8&#xa0;mg·kg⁻<sup>1</sup> Cd), reduced root-to-shoot translocation by &gt; 50% in TS, and reduced the apparent difference between the applied Cd dose and the summed concentrations across compartments (Δ Cd; ~ 44.6% →  ~ 33.9%), consistent with changes in Cd partitioning within the substrate–plant system. In soybean, SiO₂ NPs modulated Cd stress responses in a dose-, parameter-, and occasionally genotype-dependent manner, with stronger mitigation at 8–16&#xa0;mg·kg⁻<sup>1</sup> Cd. In NTS, SiO₂ NPs reduced Cd-induced increases in pigment levels, whereas in TS, they more consistently attenuated antioxidant enzyme responses (SOD, GSH-Px, GPx).</p> Conclusion <p>Overall, SiO₂ NPs increased the extractable Cd fraction in the substrate and reduced Cd accumulation in roots and leaves. These findings highlight the potential role of SiO₂ NPs in modulating Cd dynamics in contaminated agricultural systems, with potential implications for food safety.</p> Graphical abstract <p></p>

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Silica nanoparticles alter cadmium partitioning and physiological responses within the substrate–plant system of soybean

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2026年7月15日

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  • Jaqueline da Silva Santos,
  • Salete Aparecida Gaziola,
  • Marco Aurélio Zezzi Arruda,
  • Lilian Seiko Kato,
  • Montcharles da Silva Pontes,
  • Gilberto José de Arruda,
  • Simone Yasuda Fernandes,
  • Ricardo Antunes Azevedo

摘要

Background and aims

Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic and bioaccumulative element introduced into agricultural systems through phosphate fertilizers, anthropogenic inputs, and accidental contamination, thereby endangering crop productivity and food safety. Its high mobility in soil also raises concerns regarding environmental dispersal and ecological exposure. Silica nanoparticles (SiO₂ NPs) have been proposed as mitigators of metal-induced stress, yet their effects in soybean remain unclear. We tested whether substrate-applied SiO₂ NPs (400 mg·kg⁻1) could alleviate Cd toxicity across concentrations ranging from environmentally relevant to severely contaminated levels (0, 8, 16, and 64 mg·kg⁻1).

Methods

Non-transgenic (NTS) and transgenic (TS) soybean genotypes were evaluated through integrated morphological, physiological, biochemical, and substrate analyses.

Results

SiO₂ NPs increased Cd concentrations in the extractable fraction of the substrate (45.1% → 54.8% at 8 mg·kg⁻1 Cd), reduced root-to-shoot translocation by > 50% in TS, and reduced the apparent difference between the applied Cd dose and the summed concentrations across compartments (Δ Cd; ~ 44.6% →  ~ 33.9%), consistent with changes in Cd partitioning within the substrate–plant system. In soybean, SiO₂ NPs modulated Cd stress responses in a dose-, parameter-, and occasionally genotype-dependent manner, with stronger mitigation at 8–16 mg·kg⁻1 Cd. In NTS, SiO₂ NPs reduced Cd-induced increases in pigment levels, whereas in TS, they more consistently attenuated antioxidant enzyme responses (SOD, GSH-Px, GPx).

Conclusion

Overall, SiO₂ NPs increased the extractable Cd fraction in the substrate and reduced Cd accumulation in roots and leaves. These findings highlight the potential role of SiO₂ NPs in modulating Cd dynamics in contaminated agricultural systems, with potential implications for food safety.

Graphical abstract