Quaternary Ammonium Iminofullerenes Improve Root Growth of Oxidative-Stress Maize Through ASA-GSH Cycle Modulating Redox Homeostasis of Roots and ROS-Mediated Root-Hair Elongation

The study investigates the effects of quaternary ammonium iminofullerenes (IFQA) on maize root growth under oxidative stress. IFQA at concentrations of 20 or 50 mg/L improved root lengths, root-hair densities, and lengths in maize and Arabidopsis by modulating the ASA-GSH cycle, which helps maintain redox homeostasis. IFQA reduced oxidative stress markers like H2O2 and malondialdehyde (MDA) and increased the ratios of ASA/DHA and GSH/GSSG. It also decreased NADPH oxidase activity and regulated gene expressions related to root-hair development. The findings suggest that IFQA can alleviate oxidative stress and promote root growth, enhancing understanding of fullerene-based nanomaterials in plant growth and stress protection.