Transcriptomic and metabolomic responses of maize under conventional and biodegradable microplastic stress

作者：Yuanze Sun, J. Zang, Siyuan Xie, Mochen Wu, Jianguo Tao, Tanveer M. Adyel, Xinyu Du, Si Li, Jie Wang · 发表于：iMetaOmics. · 年份：2024 · DOI：10.1002/imo2.48 · 被引用次数：18 · 研究领域：Microplastics and Plastic Pollution、Nanoparticles: synthesis and applications、biodegradable polymer synthesis and properties

Abstract The increasing accumulation of microplastics in agricultural soils potentially threatens crop safety and quality. However, studies regarding the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of conventional and biodegradable microplastics on plant growth remain limited. Herein, we estimated the effects of biodegradable polybutylene adipate terephthalate, poly (butylene succinate), polylactic acid, and conventional non‐biodegradable polyethylene and polystyrene microplastics (at a concentration of 1% [w/w]) on the growth and physiological performance of maize ( Zea mays L .). In addition, we studied the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of these microplastics on maize. Exposure to microplastics induced the production of antioxidant enzymes and antioxidants at varying levels in the maize. While the maize antioxidant systems were induced against biodegradable microplastic exposure, maize photosynthesis was relatively more important for conventional microplastic treatments. Additionally, metabolomics and transcriptomic analyses revealed that the pathways of secondary metabolite biosynthesis, photosynthesis, energy metabolism, and carbohydrate metabolism were regulated by biodegradable and conventional microplastics. Specifically, microplastics induced the plant hormone signal transduction and mitogen‐activated protein kinase signaling pathways. Our results further indicated that microplastics could impact the plant through changing the soil environmental variable...