Application of nano-elicitors to produce aloin in cell suspension of Aloe vera L

Due to the exclusively biological and physicochemical characteristics of nanoparticles, they are widely used in biology and agriculture. Currently, silver nanoparticles (Nano-Ag) have wide application in nanotechnology. Nano-TiO2 as a semiconductor metal oxide nanocrystal has a special position in industrial world. The mentioned nanoparticles were used in cell culture of Aloe vera. In this study, the effects of nano-elicitors including Nano-Ag and Nano-TiO2 were investigated on cell suspension culture of Aloe vera. Manipulation of cell culture media by abiotic elicitors is an important way for inducing production of valuable metabolites. Aloin is the major anthraquinone compound found in Aloe vera. It has antimalarial, antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. The induced callus by elicitors was collected in five periods and analyzed by HPLC (High-performance liquid chromatograghy). Results showed that Nano-Ag caused to increased content of aloin to 43.7% within 48 hours and then this amount was reduced to the control level. Nano-Tio2 caused to increased content of aloin to 11.6% in 48 hours after elicitation; however, 168 h after treatment, it was reduced to 8.8% as compared to the control. Results suggest that nanoelicitors can regulate the production of Aloin in Aloe vera.