Nanotechnology is becoming a key tool in plant biotechnology, enabling nanoparticles (NPs) to deliver biomolecules with high precision and to enhance plant and tissue resilience under stress. However, the literature remains fragmented across genetic delivery, in vitro regeneration, stress mitigation, and germplasm cryopreservation, and it still lacks standardized, comparable protocols and robust long-term safety assessments—particularly for NP use in cryogenic workflows. This review critically integrates recent advances in NP-enabled (i) genetic engineering and transformation, (ii) tissue culture and regeneration, (iii) nanofertilization and abiotic stress mitigation, and (iv) cryopreservation of plant germplasm. Across these areas, the most consistent findings indicate that NPs can facilitate targeted transport of DNA, RNA, proteins, and regulatory complexes; modulate oxidative and osmotic stress responses; and improve regeneration performance in recalcitrant species. In cryopreservation, selected nanomaterials act as multifunctional cryoprotective adjuvants by suppressing oxidative injury, stabilizing cellular membranes, and improving post-thaw viability and regrowth of sensitive tissues. At the same time, NP outcomes are highly context-dependent, with efficacy governed by dose, size, and surface chemistry; formulation; plant genotype; and interactions with culture media or vitrification solutions. Evidence of potential phytotoxicity, persistence, and biosafety risks highlights the need for harmonized reporting, mechanistic studies on NP–cell interfaces, and evaluation of environmental fate. Expected outcomes of this review include a consolidated framework linking NP properties to biological endpoints, identification of design principles for application-specific NP selection, and a set of research priorities to accelerate the safe and reproducible translation of nanotechnology into sustainable plant biotechnology and long-term germplasm preservation.

Diabetes mellitus remains a major global health burden, and many patients do not achieve durable glycemic control despite modern pharmacotherapy. This narrative review synthesizes evidence on plant-derived strategies that may complement standard care, focusing on two clinically aligned domains: glucose-lowering medicinal plants and plant-based sugar substitutes that reduce dietary glycemic load. We summarize key mechanistic pathways, including inhibition of α-amylase/α-glucosidase, reduced intestinal glucose entry and absorption kinetics, glucose-dependent insulinotropic effects, improved insulin signaling, suppression of hepatic gluconeogenesis, and microbiota-linked effects. We critically appraise human evidence for selected botanicals (cinnamon, fenugreek, mulberry, gymnema, gynura, rosehip, and Jerusalem artichoke) and plant sweeteners (stevia and monk fruit). Overall, clinical effects are modest and heterogeneous; the most reproducible signals are observed for mulberry leaf in blunting postprandial glucose excursions, and for cinnamon, fenugreek, and gymnema, where meta-analyses suggest modest improvements in glycemic markers. Stevia and monk fruit are best supported as glycemically neutral sucrose substitutes, while inulin-type fructans show small-to-moderate benefits with sustained intake, limited by gastrointestinal tolerability at higher doses. Key gaps include a shortage of long-term randomized trials using standardized preparations and durable endpoints such as glycated hemoglobin. Plant-derived interventions are therefore best positioned as adjuncts within individualized, evidence-based glycemic management.

Nanocrystalline cerium dioxide is able to protect living cells from oxidative stress under the influence of various stress factors, in particular under the one of low temperatures. This study investigates the phase-structural transformations in aqueous solutions containing CeO₂ nanoparticles (NPs) and their impact on the cryopreservation process. Differential scanning calorimetry and thermomechanical analysis were used to analyse the phase transitions in aqueous suspensions of CeO₂ NPs and aqueous solutions of the cryoprotectant dimethyl sulfoxide (Me₂SO) with CeO₂ NPs. Various concentrations of CeO₂ NPs were tested to observe their effects on the crystallization and melting behaviours. The addition of CeO₂ NPs significantly altered the temperatures and enthalpies of melting and crystallization in water. Low concentrations of CeO₂ NPs promoted crystallization, while higher concentrations inhibited it, reducing supercooling and recrystallization during thawing. In Me₂SO solutions, CeO₂ NPs raised the glass transition temperature and affected the recrystallization process, with higher concentrations leading to more pronounced vitrification and reduced recrystallization. We also investigated the regularities of the effect of CeO₂ NPs on phase transitions in combined cryoprotective media with Ham's F12, fetal bovine serum and Me₂SO, which can be used in future to design the cryopreservation protocols. In the complex media, CeO₂ NPs decreased the metastability and altered eutectic crystallization patterns, indicating potential cryoprotective effects. In conclusion, CeO₂ NPs modulate the thermophysical properties of cryoprotective solutions, enhancing vitrification and reducing recrystallization, which could improve cryopreservation efficiency. Optimizing NP concentrations is crucial for practical applications in cryopreservation.

Natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) are gaining interest as environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional organic solvents in the functional food sector. Their low volatility, biodegradability, and tunable polarity, combined with high affinity for phenolics, carotenoids, and other phytochemicals, make them particularly relevant for developing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredients at a time of rising diet-related chronic disease burden. This review critically analyses the role of NADES along the functional food chain. We summarize their composition, preparation, and key physicochemical properties, and then examine the NADES-based extraction of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds from plants and food by-products in comparison with traditional solvent systems. The influence of NADES on the stability and biological activity of recovered compounds is discussed, together with their use in the formulation, stabilization, and delivery strategies for functional foods. Emerging data indicate that NADES often enhance extraction yields and may protect labile bioactives, leading to stronger antioxidant and anti-inflammatory responses in vitro compared with ethanol or water extracts when normalized to phenolic content. At the same time, large-scale implementation is limited by challenges related to safety assessment, regulatory acceptance, viscosity, and recovery issues, and incomplete techno-economic data. This review highlights these constraints, identifies key knowledge gaps, and outlines research priorities required to translate NADES-based processes into scalable, safe, and health-promoting functional food applications.

Improving the productivity and stability of winter wheat under increasingly variable climatic conditions remains a major challenge for sustainable agriculture. This study evaluated the effects of pre-sowing seed treatment with a microbial preparation (Nando BioExpert) and a biostimulant (Vitazyme), applied individually and in combination, on crop establishment, yield components, and grain yield of winter wheat under unstable moisture conditions in the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine. A three-year field experiment demonstrated that both treatments positively influenced plant growth, while their combined application produced a pronounced synergistic effect. Seed treatment enhanced plant establishment, resulting in a higher plant density at emergence compared to the untreated control. This improvement contributed to increased productive tillering and a moderate rise in thousand-kernel weight. As a result, grain yield was consistently improved across years, with the combined treatment showing the greatest effect. On average, yield increases reached up to 37% relative to the control, indicating improved resilience of winter wheat to environmental stress. The findings suggest that integrating microbial inoculants with biostimulants is an effective agronomic strategy for enhancing winter wheat productivity under moisture-limited conditions, supporting the transition toward more sustainable and resource-efficient crop production systems.

Cryopreservation of dormant buds offers a reliable and cost-effective method for the long-term preservation of plant genetic resources, particularly for woody plants like raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.). This study aimed to develop an optimized protocol for the cryopreservation of dormant raspberry buds by investigating the role of dehydration and freezing conditions in maintaining bud viability. Dormant canes of two raspberry varieties, 'Sanibelle' and 'Willamette', were collected and prepared by dehydrating single-node cane segments at -4 °C until the desired water content was achieved. The study focused on assessing the impact of dehydration on bud viability and the physical state of water within the buds, using differential scanning calorimetry to analyse thermal transitions during cooling and heating. The cryopreservation process followed a two-step freezing protocol, with the first step involving slow cooling to -30 °C, followed by rapid immersion in liquid nitrogen (-196 °C). After cryopreservation, buds were thawed either slowly at +4 °C or rapidly at +38 °C, with rehydration taking place over 14 days. The study found that the most effective preservation (74-86 % of buds) occurred when the buds were dehydrated to 22-23 % humidity and had a water activity of 0.83-0.85. Rapid thawing significantly improved bud survival, especially for moderately dehydrated buds (with water content 25-35 %), while recrystallization during slow thawing was associated with lower viability. The results highlight the complexity of cryopreservation protocols, where factors such as dehydration levels, cooling and thawing rates, and bud dormancy status play crucial roles in ensuring successful long-term storage.