Green synthesis of anatase titanium dioxide nanoparticles using Cuminum cyminum seed extract; effect on Mung bean (Vigna radiata) seed germination

Abstract This exploratory study investigated the apparent effect of biosynthesized Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2NPs) using seed extract of Cuminum cyminum on seed germination and germination indices of Mung bean (Vigna radiata) to promote sustainable and biocompatible nano-agriculture. Optimal results of various characterization techniques like UV, XRD, FTIR, SEM, and TEM determined the successful formation of TiO2NP which were capped with different phytochemicals present in the Cuminum cyminum extract. The observance of the peak at 419 cm-1 confirms the synthesis of TiO2NP. Anatase phase TiO2NP with an average crystalline size of 15.17 nm was obtained using XRD and the existence of the element titanium (Ti) was revealed by critical EDS analysis. The nanoparticle was found to have good antioxidant potential. Moreover, this experiment was designed to observe the effect of biogenic TiO2NPs on seed germination of the mung beans and to analyze plant growth parameters such as root length, shoot length, germination percentage, germination rate, and mean daily germination. Six possible concentrations (25, 50 100, 150, 200, and 250 µg mL-1) of TiO2NPs were examined along with the ultimate control. The TiO2NPs penetrate mung bean seeds affecting grain germination and growth rate mechanism. Significant enhancement in germination indices values for Vigna radiata was observed by effective treatment with TiO2NPs in comparison with non-treated seeds.