Influence of cold plasma on the enzymatic activity in germinating mung beans (Vigna radiate)

- The germination rate of mung beans has been increased.
- Enzymatic activity of amylases and proteases is enhanced after the treatment.
- Decrease in antinutritional factors like trypsin inhibitors and phytic acid content.
- Increase in the hydrophilicity of the mung beans after the treatment.

The aim of this work is to study the effect of the cold plasma in the enhancement of mung bean seeds germination. To investigate changes in the seeds we have applied two plasma power levels and three exposure time intervals. Results showed that, cold plasma significantly increased the germination rate by 36.2%, radical root length by 20% and conductivity of seeds by 102% when compared to the control samples. The surface etching caused by the plasma species increased the seeds coat conductivity and apparently reduced the contact angle making surface more hydrophilic. There is increase in soluble sugars and proteins after the treatment. We also observed increase in hydrolytic enzymes activity like amylase, protease and phytase after the treatment. The decrease in anti-nutritional properties like trypsin inhibition activity and phytic acid showed a positive effect of cold plasma treatment. Thus, cold plasma application can significantly benefit the seed germination during drought conditions.