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Application of nanoparticles in the field of agriculture can increase crop production. It can also decrease mineral loss and can lessen the fertilizer use. The present study deals with synthesis (green) of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) from ZnSO 4 solution and seed extract of black seeds (Nigella sativa L.) that acted as reducing agent. To characterize the newly formed nanoparticles UV–visible spectrophotometer, particle size analyzer and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) were used. Seven concentrations (0, 50, 100, 200, 400, 800 and 1000 µg/L) of ZnO-NPs were given to the seeds of Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var italic) with ZnSO 4 salt solution treatment as control. Results of the particle size analyzer and SEM showed the spherical nanoparticles with particle size of 24 nm. The application of ZnO-NPs to the Broccoli resulted an enhancement of 37.5% in seed germination, 56.6% in root length, 16.6% in shoot length, 41% in weight of seedlings, 11.5% in number of leaves, 17.1% in plant height, 24.4% in leaf area. Chlorophyll, phenolic, proline and sugar content were also observed to be increased by 50%, 67.4%, 14.6% and 36.2% respectively as compared to the distilled water treatment without any nanoparticle. Whereas results also proved higher efficiency of zinc oxide nanoparticles for enhancing crop growth as compared to the macro size ZnSO 4 salt solution. From the results, it was concluded that zinc oxide nanoparticles can be a useful nano-supplement to improve the production of B. oleracea var italica. It is first time report for use of green synthesized ZnO-NPs as nanofertilizers for B. oleracea var italic crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• WPC (80% protein) was extruded with Supercritical carbon dioxide to enhance its functionality in terms of its emulsifying capability at two pH values 3.0 and 5.4. • HIPEs were prepared with functionalized whey protein (f-WPC80 pH 3.0 and 5.4) and proved to be superior emulsifying capability as compared to NaCas stabilized HIPEs. • Interfacial rheology measurement discovered the importance of functionalization of whey protein for the elasticity of the oil–water interface. • This supercritical carbon dioxide extruded WPC may be a replacement of NaCas to make nutritionally superior products with pH 3.0 and 5.4. High Internal Phase Emulsions (HIPEs) were stabilized by functionalized whey protein concentrate (WPC-80). Functionalization of WPC-80 was done by supercritical CO 2 assisted extrusion technology. HIPEs were formed by 80% oil and 1-4 wt% of control (untreated) whey protein concentrate, extruded/functionalized whey protein concentrates (f-WPC-80) at pH 3.0 and 5.4, and sodium caseinate (NaCas) separately and were characterized for their stability at two temperatures (25 and 40 °C) for 20 days. Results indicated that f-WPC-80-pH3.0 formed self-standing gels at 1 wt% concentrations which were more stable, without phase separation, than those stabilized by commercially used stabilizer NaCas and native c-WPC. At 4% concentration of f-WPC-80-pH3.0, the compressed droplets produced emulsions with self-standing and viscoelastic features. While control WPC-80, could not form stable HIPEs at any investigated concentrations. The reported high internal phase oil-in-water emulsions, offer a potential new system for delivery of nutritionally superior and clean-label products of commercial utility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy metals are one of the most damaging environmental toxins that hamper growth of plants. These noxious chemicals include lead (Pb), arsenic (As), nickel (Ni), cadmium (Cd) and chromium (Cr). Chromium is one of the toxic metal which induces various oxidative processes in plants. The emerging role of nanoparticles as pesticides, fertilizers and growth regulators have attracted the attention of various scientists. Current study was conducted to explore the potential of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) alone and in combination with plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) Klebsiella sp. SBP-8 in Cr stress alleviation in Brassica juncea (L.). Chromium stress reduced shoot fresh weight (40%), root fresh weight (28%), shoot dry weight (28%) and root dry weight (34%) in B. juncea seedlings. Chromium stressed B. juncea plants showed enhanced levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), electrolyte leakage (EL), hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2) and superoxide ion (O 2 • −). However, co-supplementation of ZnONPs and Klebsiella sp. SBP-8 escalated the activity of antioxidant enzymes i.e., superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) in B. juncea grown in normal and Cr-toxic soil. It is further proposed that combined treatment of ZnONPs and Klebsiella sp. SBP-8 may be useful for alleviation of other abiotic stresses in plants. [Display omitted] • Cr stress reduced growth and physiological attributes of B. juncea. • Cr stress increased MDA, H 2 O 2 , EL and O 2.•‾ ions, hence imposed oxidative stress in B. juncea. • Co-supplementation of ZnONPs and Klebsiella sp. SBP-8 enhanced gene expression for SOD, CAT, POD and APX enzymes. • Cr stress alleviation in B. juncea is credited to enhanced activity of antioxidant enzymes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]