Researchers synthesised 300–500 nm Ag3PO4 particles and supplemented hydroponic Cryptocoryne albida at 0, 0.01, 0.10 and 1.00 ppm. At 0.01 ppm, total phenolics, flavonoids and antioxidant assays increased, while 1.00 ppm significantly reduced growth. The narrow experimental dose window does not establish food, environmental or commercial safety.
Key findings
- XRD confirmed Ag3PO4 as the dominant crystalline phase, SEM showed 300–500 nm spheres, and XRF reported 86.80% Ag2O and 12.60% P2O5. Growth declined at 1.00 ppm (p
Why this matters globally
The work suggests a route to modulate phytochemicals in aquatic plants and controlled environments, but silver accumulation, effluent, microbiomes, life cycle and safer lower-cost elicitors must be compared.
Thai researcher contribution
The KMITL and Srinakharinwirot team integrated materials science, chemistry, plant biology and hydroponics in a Thai-led experimental collaboration.
Limitations to consider
The abstract omits replicate counts, effect sizes and multiplicity control. Chemical antioxidant assays are not biological benefit, with no silver uptake, residue, toxicity, microbiome or field validation; C. albida cannot represent all food crops.
Verify the original sources
International Journal of Molecular SciencesRead the original article↗DOI: 10.3390/ijms27146235