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Proteomic decoding of maize responses to microplastics and copper stress under iron oxide nanoparticles
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Corn plants exposed to copper pollution and microplastics together suffered serious stress and stunted growth, and iron nanoparticles only helped when contamination was mild. This matters because these pollutants are already in farm soils, and if crops struggle to grow normally under them, it could affect food safety and supply down the line.
This study investigated the physiological, biochemical, and root proteomic responses of maize under combined copper (Cu) and polystyrene microplastic (MP) stress in the presence of iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe2O3-NPs). A pot experiment was conducted using a single maize variety exposed to Cu, MPs, and Fe2O3-NPs individually and in combination. Soil pH, electrical conductivity, residual Cu, and Fe concentrations were measured before sowing and after harvesting to evaluate treatment-induced changes in soil plant metal behavior. Plant growth, Cu and Fe uptake, oxidative stress, proline accumulation, and antioxidant enzyme activities were assessed. Root tissues from selected representative treatments were further analyzed by LC–MS/MS to identify differentially abundant proteins, followed by functional classification, subcellular localization, and pathway analysis. Fe2O3-NPs alone supported maize growth, whereas higher Cu and MP combinations caused marked growth inhibition despite Fe2O3-NP application. Soil analysis showed reduced pH, increased EC under higher Cu-MP treatments, and residual Cu accumulation after harvesting, indicating altered soil plant metal behavior and disturbed Cu-Fe homeostasis. Severe combined stress increased Cu accumulation, reduced Fe uptake, elevated MDA and proline levels, and suppressed antioxidant enzyme activities. Proteomic analysis identified stress-associated differentially abundant proteins related to ROS detoxification and redox regulation, including catalase, thioredoxin reductase, peroxidase, copper chaperone for superoxide dismutase, and calmodulin-like protein 1. Subcellular localization further indicated reduced cytosolic and mitochondrial protein abundance under severe Cu-MP stress. Fe2O3-NPs showed condition-dependent effects in maize, with comparatively favorable responses under low to moderate Cu-MP stress but limited protective capacity under severe combined stress.
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