Effect of simulated microgravity using clinostat 2D in Lemna aequinoctialis Welw.
Aqueous extract, antioxidant, phenolics, bradford, reducing power, biochemical activity.
Understanding the effects of microgravity on plants is still limited, it has been observed that the response changes according to tissue, plant and microgravity conditions. This study evaluated the effects of simulated microgravity on Lemna aequinoctialis, a plant from the subfamily Lemnoideae, important for bioremediation and animal feeding. Using a 2D clinostat machine to simulate microgravity, the plants were exposed to different rotations (15, 30, 45 rpm) for 2 and 4 hours, along with a control (0 rpm). Plant development was monitored at 0, 5, and 10 days after treatment. Biochemical analyses were conducted to measure total antioxidant capacity (CAT), reducing power, phenolic compounds, protein content, and catalase enzyme activity. The results showed that simulated microgravity significantly increased antioxidant markers and protein content. It has been observed that CAT and reducing power increased up to three times, in special after 4 hours of treatment. The 45 rpm rotation for 2 hours resulted it was verified an increase in phenolic compounds on days 5 and 10, while for the 30 rpm rotation for 4 hours treatment is as verified an important increase on day 0. For the catalase activity, it was higher with 30 rpm in both time treatment on day 10. In addition, protein content increased up to seven times with 45 rpm for 2 hours. These results suggest that simulated microgravity can enhance the nutritional profile of L. aequinoctialis, boosting its biotechnological applications in sustainable food production and bioremediation. This study advances the understanding of the mechanisms involved in L. aequinoctialis response to microgravity.