Foliar Application of Silica Nanoparticles on the Phytochemical Responses of Maize (<i>Zea mays</i> L.) and Its Toxicological Behavior

Abstract

The study aimed to explore the effect of high surface (360.85 m2 g–1) silica nanoparticles (20–40 nm) on phytochemical responses during maize growth in comparison with bulk silica at 15 g L–1. The maize responses are analyzed for the changes in biochemical components. The expression of organic compounds and silica contents favored to nanosilica treatment than bulk and control. In addition, nanosilica is biologically inert against MG-63 cell line till 125 μg mL–1. Soil amendment is found better than foliar application to maize. This helps to improve sustainable farming as an alternative source of silica fertilizer for food crops.