Enhancing taxane production in Corylus avellana L. cell cultures through elicitation using molybdenum oxide and iron oxide nanoparticles

Taxanes are widely employed in cancer therapy for the treatment of various malignancies. Recent studies have shown that cell cultures from Corylus avellana L. could be a promising source for producing taxanes commercially. In the present study we assessed the effects of molybdenum oxide nanoparticles (MoO 3 NPs) and iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe 2 O 3 NPs), both independently and in combination with para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), on the cell cultures of Corylus avellana . This study focused on changes in physiological and biochemical traits, the expression of genes related to taxane biosynthesis (TAT and GGPPS), and the levels of taxanes (specifically taxol and baccatin III). The results indicated an increase in the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase. Furthermore, an elevation in the hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content and medium electrical conductivity (EC) was observed. The cells subjected to 30 ppm NPs exhibited higher levels of secondary metabolites, including phenolic compounds and flavonoids, as well as an increased total antioxidant capacity and expression of the genes related to taxane biosynthesis. However, when nanoparticles concentration was increased to 90 ppm, either alone or in combination with PABA, a decrease in the levels of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and overall antioxidant capacity was noted. The expression level of the TAT gene showed a decline in the 90 ppm Fe 2 O 3 NPs treatment. These findings suggest that the incorporation of PABA influenced the metabolic processes of the cells, leading to enhanced production of secondary metabolites. The highest taxol and baccatin III content, along with increased expression of the TAT and GGPPS genes, were observed in treatments involving 30 ppm MoO 3 and 20 ppm PABA, as well as 30 ppm Fe 2 O 3 combined with 20 ppm PABA. These observations indicate that nanoparticles induce oxidative stress, and utilization of specific precursors in the taxoid biosynthetic pathway significantly enhanced the synthesis of these vital secondary metabolites. • Molybdenum oxide (MoO 3 NPs) and iron oxide (Fe 2 O 3 NPs) nanoparticles affected biochemical properties of C. avellana cell cultures. • MoO 3 NPs and iron oxide Fe2O 3 NPs caused oxidative stress and increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes. • MoO 3 NPs and iron oxide Fe 2 O 3 NPs enhanced the expression of the genes responsible for the production of toxoids compounds and increased taxane content.