Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Microgreens and novel non-thermal seed germination techniques for sustainable food systems: a review

  • Review
  • Published:
Food Science and Biotechnology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

There are a number of cutting-edge techniques implemented in the germination process, including high pressure processing, ultrasonic, ultraviolet, light, non-thermal plasma, magnetic field, microwave radiation, electrolyzed oxidizing water, and plasma activated water. The influence of these technological advances on seed germination procedure is addressed in this review. The use of these technologies has several benefits, including the enhancement of plant growth rate and the modulation of bioactive chemicals like ABA, protein, and peroxidase concentrations, as well as the suppression of microbial development. Microgreens’ positive health effects, such as their antioxidant, anticancer, antiproliferative/pro-oxidant, anti-obesity, and anti-inflammatory properties are extensively reviewed. The phytochemical and bioactive components of microgreens were investigated, including the concentrations of vitamin K, vitamin C, vitamin E, micro and macro nutrients, pro-vitamin A, polyphenols, and glucosinolates. Furthermore, the potential commercial uses of microgreens, as well as the current market transformation and prospects for the future are explored.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3

Similar content being viewed by others

Data availability

The datasets generated and analyzed during this study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

References

  • Abeysuriya HI, Bulugahapitiya VP, Loku Pulukkuttige J. Total vitamin C, ascorbic acid, dehydroascorbic acid, antioxidant properties, and iron content of underutilized and commonly consumed fruits in SriLanka. International Journal of Food Science. 2020: 4783029 (2020)

  • Aladjadjiyan A. Ultrasonic stimulation of the development of lentils and wheat seedlings. Romanian Journal of Biophysics. 21: 179-188 (2011)

    Google Scholar 

  • Al-Sakere B, André F, Bernat C, Connault E, Opolon P, Davalos RV, Mir LM. Tumor ablation with irreversible electroporation. PloS One. 2: e1135 (2007)

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Anand A, Nagarajan S, Verma APS, Joshi DK, Pathak, PC, Bhardwaj J. Pre-treatment of seeds with static magnetic field ameliorates soil water stress in seedlings of maize (Zea mays L.). Indian Journal of Biochemistry and Biophysics. 49: 1-15 (2012)

    Google Scholar 

  • Ariefdjohan M, Nelson P, Singh R, Bhunia A, Balasubramaniam V, Singh N. Efficacy of high hydrostatic pressure treatment in reducing Escherichia coli O157 and Listeria monocytogenes in alfalfa seeds. Journal of Food Science. 69: M117-M120 (2004)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Baghel L, Kataria S, Guruprasad K. Effect of static magnetic field pretreatment on growth, photosynthetic performance and yield of soybean under water stress. Photosynthetica. 1: 1-13 (2018)

    Google Scholar 

  • Bergquis SÅM, Gertsson UE, Olsson ME. Bioactive compounds and visual quality of baby spinach - changes during plant growth and storage. Acta Horticulturae. 744: 343-348 (2007)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bewley JD, Bradford K, Hilhorst H. Seeds: physiology of development, germination and dormancy. Springer Science & Business Media. 3:392 (2013)

    Google Scholar 

  • Bhaswant M, Shanmugam DK, Miyazawa T, Abe C, Miyazawa T. Microgreens—A Comprehensive Review of Bioactive Molecules and Health Benefits. Molecules. 28: 867 (2023)

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Bolton-Smith C, Price RJ, Fenton ST, Harrington DJ, Shearer MJ. Compilation of a provisional UK database for the phylloquinone (vitamin K1) content of foods. The British Journal of Nutrition. 83: 389-399 (2000)

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bormashenko E, Grynyov R, Bormashenko Y, Drori E. Cold radiofrequency plasma treatment modifies wettability and germination speed of plant seeds. Scientific Reports. 2: 741 (2012)

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Choe U, Yu LL, Wang TTY. The Science behind Microgreens as an Exciting New Food for the 21st Century. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 66: 11519-11530 (2018)

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • De la Fuente B, López-García G, Máñez V, Alegría A, Barberá R, Cilla A. Antiproliferative effect of bioaccessible fractions of four Brassicaceae microgreens on human colon cancer cells linked to their phytochemical composition. Antioxidants. 9: 368-381 (2020)

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Deng B, Liu X, Zheng L, Liu Q, Guo X, Zhang L. Effects of nitrogen deposition and UV-B radiation on seedling performance of Chinese tallow tree (Triadica sebifera): A photosynthesis perspective. Forest Ecology and Management. 433: 453-458 (2019)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dhakshayani GM, Priya SJA. Comparative study of phytochemical, antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, and antidiabetic potential of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.): Microgreen and mature plant. Foods and Raw Materials. 10: 283-294 (2022)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Di Bella MC, Niklas A, Toscano S, Picchi V, Romano D, Scalzo R. Lo Branca F. Morphometric characteristics, polyphenols and ascorbic acid variation in Brassica oleracea L. novel foods: Sprouts, microgreens and baby leaves. Agronomy. 10: 1-17. (2020)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ding J, Ulanov AV, Dong M, Yang T, Nemzer BV, Xiong S, Zhao S, Feng H. Enhancement of gama-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and other health-related metabolites in germinated red rice (Oryza sativa L.) by ultrasonication. Ultrasonics Sonochemistry. 40: 791-797 (2018)

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Dobrin D, Magureanu M, Mandache NB, Ionita MD. The effect of non-thermal plasma treatment on wheat germination and early growth. Innovative Food Science and Emerging Technologies. 29: 255-260 (2015)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Du M, Xiao Z, Luo Y. Advances and emerging trends in cultivation substrates for growing sprouts and microgreens toward safe and sustainable agriculture. Current Opinion in Food Science. 46: 100863 (2022)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dymek K, Dejmek P, Panarese V, Vicente AA, Wadsö L, Finnie C. Effect of pulsed electric field on the germination of barley seeds. LWT-Food Science and Technology. 47: 161-166 (2012)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ebert AW. Sprouts, microgreens, and edible flowers: The potential for high value specialty produce in Asia. SEAVEG 2012: High Value Vegetables in Southeast Asia: Production, Supply and Demand. 5: 216-227 (2013)

    Google Scholar 

  • Ebert AW. Sprouts and microgreens—Novel food sources for healthy diets. Plants. 11: 571-(2022)

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Fan L, Liu X, Ma Y, Xiang Q. Effects of plasma-activated water treatment on seed germination and growth of mung bean sprouts. Journal of Taibah University for Science. 14: 823-830 (2020)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Food and Agriculture Organization Green Cities Initiative; FAO/UN: Rome, Italy (2020) Available online: http://www.fao.org/3/cb0848en/cb0848en.pdf

  • Feizi H, Rezvani-Moghaddam P, Shahtahmassebi N, Fotovat A. Impact of bulk and nanosized titanium dioxide (TiO 2) on wheat seed germination and seedling growth. Biological Trace Element Research. 146: 101-106 (2012)

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Finch-Savage WE, Bassel GW. Seed vigour and crop establishment: extending performance beyond adaptation. Journal of Experimental Botany. 67: 567-591 (2016)

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Fromm J, Lautner S. Electrical signals and their physiological significance in plants. Plant, Cell & Environment. 30: 249-257 (2007)

  • Ghoora MD, Haldipur, AC, Srividya N. Comparative evaluation of phytochemical content, antioxidant capacities and overall antioxidant potential of select culinary microgreens. Journal of Agriculture and Food Research. 2: 100046 (2020)

  • Guragain RP, Pradhan SP, Baniya HB, Pandey BP, Basnet N, Sedhai B, Dhungana S, Chhetri GK, Joshi UM, Subedi DP. Impact of Plasma-Activated Water (PAW) on Seed Germination of Soybean. Journal of Chemistry. 11: 125304 (2021)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Halder M, Petsophonsakul P, Akbulut AC, Pavlic A, Bohan F, Anderson E, Schurgers L. Vitamin K: double bonds beyond coagulation insights into differences between vitamin K1 and K2 in health and disease. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 20: 896 (2019)

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Hamid N, Jawaid F. Influence of Seed pre-treatment by UV-A and UV-C radiation on germination and growth of Mung beans. Pakistan Journal of Chemistry. 1:164-167 (2011)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hayashi N, Ono R, Uchida S. Growth enhancement of plant by plasma and UV light irradiation to seeds. Journal of Photopolymer Science and Technology. 28: 445-448 (2015)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hayes JD, Kelleher MO, Eggleston IM. The cancer chemopreventive actions of phytochemicals derived from glucosinolates. European Journal of Nutrition. 47: 73-88 (2008)

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Haytowitz D, Ahuja J, Wu X, Khan M, Somanchi M, Nickle M, Patterson K. USDA National Nutrient Database for standard reference, legacy. USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference (2018)

    Google Scholar 

  • Holubová L, Kyzek S, Ďurovcová I, Fabová J, Horváthová E, Ševčovičová A, Gálová E. Non-thermal plasma—a new green priming agent for plants? International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 21: 1-16 (2020)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Huang H, Jiang X, Xiao Z, Yu L, Pham Q, Sun J, Chen P, Yokoyama W, Yu LL, Luo YS. Red Cabbage Microgreens Lower Circulating Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL), Liver Cholesterol, and Inflammatory Cytokines in Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 64: 9161-9171 (2016)

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Huang S, Rao G, Ashraf U, Deng Q, Dong H, Zhang H, Mo Z, Pan S, Tang X. Ultrasonic seed treatment improved morpho-physiological and yield traits and reduced grain Cd concentrations in rice. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety. 214: 112119 (2021)

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ijaz B, Jatoi SA, Ahmad D, Masood MS, Siddiqui SU. Changes in germination behavior of wheat seeds exposed to magnetic field and magnetically structured water. African Journal of Biotechnology. 11: 3575-3585 (2012)

    Google Scholar 

  • Isic A. A study of flavonols in bok choy and their anticancer properties (Doctoral dissertation, Victoria University) (2017)

  • Islam MN, Zhang M, Adhikari B. The inactivation of enzymes by ultrasound—a review of potential mechanisms. Food Reviews International. 30: 1-21 (2014)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Işlek C, Altuner EM, Çeter T, Alpas H. Effect of high hydrostatic pressure on seed germination, microbial quality, anatomy-morphology and physiological characteristics of garden cress (Lepidium sativum) seedlings. High Pressure Research. 33: 440-450 (2013)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jambor T, Knizatova N, Valkova V, Tirpak F, Greifova H, Kovacik A, Lukac N. Microgreens As A Functional Component of The Human Diet: A Review. Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology and Food Sciences. 1: e5870-e5870 (2022)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kamal KY, Khodaeiaminjan M, El-Tantawy AA, Moneim DA, Salam AA, Ash-shormillesy SMAI, Attia A, Ali MAS, Herranz R, El-Esawi MA, Nassrallah AA, Ramadan MF. Evaluation of growth and nutritional value of Brassica microgreens grown under red, blue and green LEDs combinations. Physiologia Plantarum. 169: 625-638 (2020)

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kataria S, Baghel L, Guruprasad KN. Pre-treatment of seeds with static magnetic field improves germination and early growth characteristics under salt stress in maize and soybean. Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology. 10: 83-90 (2017)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Khamsen N, Onwimol D, Teerakawanich N, Dechanupaprittha S, Kanokbannakorn W, Hongesombut K. Rice (Oryza sativa L.) seed sterilization and germination enhancement via atmospheric hybrid nonthermal discharge plasma. ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces. 8: 19268-19275 (2016)

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Konefał-Janocha M, Banaś-Ząbczyk A, Bester M, Bocak D, Budzik S, Górny S. The effect of stationary and variable electromagnetic fields on the germination and early growth of radish (Raphanus sativus). Polish Journal of Environmental Studies. 28: 709-715 (2019)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kovacs E, Keresztes A. Effect of gamma and UV-B/C radiation on plant cells. Micron. 33: 199-210 (2002).

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kunz BA, Cahill DM, Mohr PG, Osmond MJ, Vonarx EJ. Plant responses to UV radiation and links to pathogen resistance. International Review of Cytology. 255: 1-40 (2006)

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kuzugudenli E. Effect of microwave radiation on growth and germination of stone pine (pinus pinea l.) Seedlings. Applied Ecology and Environmental Research. 16: 2837-2844 (2018)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kyriacou MC, Rouphael Y, Di Gioia F, Kyratzis A, Serio F, Renna M, De Pascale S, Santamaria P. Micro-scale vegetable production and the rise of microgreens. Trends in Food Science and Technology. 57: 103-115 (2016)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Le TN, Chiu C, Hsieh P. Bioactive Compounds and Bioactivities of Brassica oleracea L. var. Italica Sprouts and Microgreens: and Microgreens : An Updated Overview from a Nutraceutical Perspective. Plant Science Today. 9: 946 (2020)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Li X, Tian S,Wang Y, Liu J, Wang J Lu Y. Broccoli microgreens juice reduces body weight by enhancing insulin sensitivity and modulating gut microbiota in high-fat diet-induced C57BL/6J obese mice. European Journal of Nutrition. 60: 3829-3839 (2021)

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Liao LB, Chen WM, Xiao XM. The generation and inactivation mechanism of oxidation-reduction potential of electrolyzed oxidizing water. Journal of Food Engineering. 78: 1326-1332 (2007)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ling L, Jiafeng J, Jiangang L, Minchong S, Xin H, Hanliang S. Effects of cold plasma treatment on seed germination and seedling growth of soybean. Scientific Reports. 4: 5859 (2014)

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Liu B, Liu X, Li YS, Herbert S. Effects of enhanced UV-B radiation on seed growth characteristics and yield components in soybean. Field Crops Research. 154: 158-163 (2013)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liu HK, Li ZH, Zhang XW, Liu YP, Hu JG, Yang CW, Zhao XY. The effects of ultrasound on the growth, nutritional quality and microbiological quality of sprouts. Trends in Food Science and Technology. 111: 292-300 (2021)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lu ZH, Zhang Y, Li L, Curtis RB, Kong XL, Fulcher RG, Zhang G, Cao W. Inhibition of microbial growth and enrichment of γ-aminobutyric acid during germination of brown rice by electrolyzed oxidizing water. Journal of Food Protection. 73: 483-487 (2010)

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ma L, Lin XM. Effects of lutein and zeaxanthin on aspects of eye health. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. 90: 2-12 (2010)

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ma S, Tian S, Sun J, Pang X, Hu Q, Li X, Lu Y. Broccoli microgreens have hypoglycemic effect by improving blood lipid and inflammatory factors while modulating gut microbiota in mice with type 2 diabetes. Journal of Food Biochemistry. 46: e14145 (2022)

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Machikowa T, Kulrattanarak T, Wonprasaid S. Effects of ultrasonic treatment on germination of synthetic sunflower seeds. In: Proceedings of world academy of science, engineering and technology (p 53). World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology (WASET) (2013)

  • Magkos F, Hjorth MF, Astrup A. Diet and exercise in the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Nature Reviews Endocrinology. 16: 545-555 (2020)

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mahajan TS, Pandey OP. Effect of electric field (at different temperatures) on germination of chickpea seed. African Journal of Biotechnology. 13: 61-67 (2014)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Maina S, Misinzo G, Bakari G, Kim HY. Human, animal and plant health benefits of glucosinolates and strategies for enhanced bioactivity: A systematic review. Molecules. 25: 1-30 (2020)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Malfa GA, Acquaviva R, Bucchini AAE, Ragusa S, Raimondo FM, Spadaro V. The Sicilian wild cabbages as biological resources: Taxonomic update and a review on chemical constituents and biological activities. Flora Mediterranea. 30: 245-260 (2020)

    Google Scholar 

  • Molamofrad F, Lotfi M, Khazaei J, Tavakkol-Afshari R, Shaiegani-Akmal A. The effect of electric field on seed germination and growth parameters of onion seeds (Allium cepa). Advanced Crop Science. 3: 291-298 (2013)

    Google Scholar 

  • Moon JD, Chung HS (2000). Acceleration of germination of tomato seed by applying AC electric and magnetic fields. Journal of Electrostatics. 48:103- 114.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Motallebi A. Effect of microwave radiation on seed viability, survival of Aspergillus niger van Tieghem and oil quality of oilseeds crops canola, soybean and safflower. Acta Agriculturae Slovenica. 107: 73-80 (2016)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Neelamegam R, Sutha T. UV-C irradiation effect on seed germination, seedling growth and productivity of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.). Internationl Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences. 4: 430-443 (2015)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Novickij V, Grainys A, Lastauskienė E, Kananavičiūtė R, Pamedytytė D, Kalėdienė L, Miklavčič D. Pulsed electromagnetic field assisted in vitro electroporation: a pilot study. Scientific Reports. 6: 33537 (2016)

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Oh MM, Carey EE, Rajashekar CB. Regulated water deficits improve phytochemical concentra tion in lettu ce. Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science. 135: 223-229 (2010)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Othman AJ, Eliseeva LG, Simina DV. Microgreens: a newly merging product, aspects, prospectives, and disadvantages. Proceedings of the Voronezh State University of Engineering Technologies. 83: 102-107 (2021)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ouhibi C, Attia H, Rebah F, Msilini N, Chebbi M, Aarrouf J, Lachaal M. Salt stress mitigation by seed priming with UV-C in lettuce plants: Growth, antioxidant activity and phenolic compounds. Plant Physiology and Biochemistry. 83: 126-133 (2014)

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Paraschivu M, Cotuna O, Sărățeanu V, Durău CC, Păunescu RA. Microgreens-Current Status, Global Market Trends and Forward Statements. Scientific Papers Series Management, Economic Engineering in Agriculture and Rural Development. 21: 633-639 (2021)

    Google Scholar 

  • Parkes MG, Cubillos-Tovar JP, Dourado F, Domingos T, Teixeira RFM. Life Cycle Assessment of a Prospective Technology for Building-Integrated Production of Broccoli Microgreens. Atmosphere. 13: 1317 (2022)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pérez-Pizá MC, Prevosto L, Grijalba PE, Zilli CG, Cejas E, Mancinelli B, Balestrasse KB. Improvement of growth and yield of soybean plants through the application of non-thermal plasmas to seeds with different health status. Heliyon. 5:e01495 (2019)

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Peykarestan B, Seify M, Fadaei MS, Hatim M. UV irradiation effects on seed germination and growth, protein content, peroxidase and protease activity in Portulaca grandiflora and Portulaca oleracea. World Applied Sciences Journal. 17: 802-808 (2012)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pezzoni M, Veugelers R, Visentin F. How fast is this novel technology going to be a hit? Antecedents predicting follow-on inventions. Research Policy. 51: 104454 (2022)

    Google Scholar 

  • Pinto E, Almeida AA, Aguiar AA. Ferreira IM. Changes in ma crominera ls, tra ce elements and pigments content during lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) growth: Influence of soil composition. Food Chemistry. 152: 60 3-6 11(2014)

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Pozeliene A. Influence of electric field on the quality of flaxseed. Agricultural Engineering International: The CIGR Journal of Scientific Research and Development. 3: 1-6 (2001)

    Google Scholar 

  • Puccinelli M, Malorgio F, Rosellini I, Pezzarossa B. Production of selenium biofortified microgreens from selenium-enriched seeds of basil. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. 99: 5601-5605 (2019)

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Puligundla P, Kim JW, Mok C. Effect of corona discharge plasma jet treatment on decontamination and sprouting of rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) seeds. Food Control. 71: 376-382 (2017)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ran, R. H, Yang, YL, Cao, C. Y. Ultrasound on seedling growth of wheat under drought stress effects. Agricultural Sciences. 6: 670 (2015).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Randeniya LK, De Groot GJJB. Non-Thermal Plasma Treatment of Agricultural Seeds for Stimulation of Germination, Removal of Surface Contamination and Other Benefits: A Review. Plasma Processes and Polymers. 12: 608-623 (2015)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rathore V, Tiwari BS, Nema SK. Treatment of Pea Seeds with Plasma Activated Water to Enhance Germination, Plant Growth, and Plant Composition. Plasma Chemistry and Plasma Processing. 42: 109-129 (2022)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rauniyar K, Karki R. Micro Greens: Production and Its Nutritional Health Benefits. Nepalese Journal of Agricultural Sciences. 24: 230-236 (2023)

    Google Scholar 

  • Rifna EJ, Ramanan, KR, Mahendran R. Emerging technology applications for improving seed germination. Trends in Food Science and Technology. 86: 95-108 (2019)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rogozhin VV, Kuriliuk TT, Filippova NP. Change in the reaction of the antioxidant system of wheat sprouts after UV-irradiation of seeds. Biofizika. 45: 730-736 (2000)

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Sadiq M, Akram, NA, Ashraf M, Al-Qurainy F, Ahmad P. Alpha-tocopherol-induced regulation of growth and metabolism in plants under non-stress and stressconditions. Journal of Plant Growth Regulation. 38: 1325-1340 (2019)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sahin H. Effects of microwaves on the germination of weed seeds. Journal of Biosystems Engineering. 39:304-309 (2014)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Samani MA, Pourakbar L, Azimi N. Magnetic field effects on seed germination and activities of some enzymes in cumin. Life Science Journal. 10: 323-328 (2013)

    Google Scholar 

  • Schottroff F, Fröhling A, Zunabovic-Pichler M, Krottenthaler A, Schlüter O, Jäger H. Sublethal injury and viable but non-culturable (VBNC) state in microorganisms during preservation of food and biological materials by non-thermal processes. Frontiers in Microbiology. 1: 2773 (2018)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Senevirathne GI, Gama-Arachchige NS, Karunaratne AM. Germination, harvesting stage, antioxidant activity and consumer acceptance of ten microgreens. Ceylon Journal of Science. 48: 91 (2019)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Šerá B, Scholtz V, Jirešová J, Khun J, Julák J, Šerý M. Effects of non-thermal plasma treatment on seed germination and early growth of leguminous plants—a review. Plants. 10: 1-15 (2021)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sharlaeva EA, Chirkova VY. The Impact of Short-Wave UV Radiation on Peroxidase Activity in Soft Wheat Seeds. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science. 670: 012008 (2021)

    Google Scholar 

  • Shaukat SS, Zaidi S, Khan MA. Effect of supplemental uv-b radiation on germination, seedling growth, and biochemical responses of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.). Fuuast Journal of Biology. 1: 27-33 (2011)

    Google Scholar 

  • Shekari F, Mustafavi SH, Abbasi A. Sonication of seeds increase germination performance of sesame under low temperature stress. Acta Agriculturae Slovenica. 105: 203-212 (2015)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Singh J, Upadhyay AK, Bahadur A, Singh B, Singh KP, Rai M. Antioxidant phytochemicals in cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata). Scientia Horticulturae. 108: 233-237 (2006)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Taheri S, Brodie GI, Gupta D, Dadu RHR. Effect of microwave radiation on internal inoculum of ascochyta blight in lentil seeds at different seed moisture contents. American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers. 62: 33-43 (2019)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Thirumdas R, Kothakota A, Annapure U, Siliveru K, Blundell R, Gatt R, Valdramidis VP. Plasma activated water (PAW): Chemistry, physico-chemical properties, applications in food and agriculture. In Trends in Food Science and Technology (Vol. 77). Elsevier Ltd (2018)

    Google Scholar 

  • Thompson MD, Cooney RV. The potential physiological role of γ-tocopherol in human health: a qualitative review. Nutrition and Cancer. 72: 808-825 (2020)

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Tomas M, Zhang L, Zengin G, Rocchetti G, Capanoglu, E, Lucini L. Metabolomic insight into the profile, in vitro bioaccessibility and bioactive properties of polyphenols and glucosinolates from four Brassicaceae microgreens. Food Research International. 140: 110039 (2021)

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Tomasz J. The reaction of garden cress (Lepidium sativum L. to microwave radiation. 2018 applications of electromagnetics in modern techniques and medicine (PTZE) (pp. 81-84). IEEE (2018)

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Truzzi F, Whittaker A, Roncuzzi C, Saltari A, Levesque MP, Dinelli G. MIcrogreens: Functional food with antiproliferative cancer properties influenced by light. Foods. 10: 1690 (2021)

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Tuan PA, Sun M, Nguyen TN, Park S, Ayele BT. Molecular mechanisms of seed germination. In Sprouted Grains: Nutritional Value, Production, and Applications. (pp. 1-24) Elsevier Inc (2018)

    Google Scholar 

  • Turner ER, Luo Y, Buchanan RL. Microgreen nutrition, food safety, and shelf life: A review. Journal of Food Science. 85: 870-882 (2020)

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ulgen C, Yıldırım AB, Turker AU. Effect of magnetic field treatments on seed germination of melissa officinalis L. International Journal of Secondary Metabolite. 4: 43-49 (2017)

    Google Scholar 

  • Van Oosten MJ, Pepe O, De Pascale S, Silletti S, Maggio A. The role of biostimulants and bioeffectors as alleviators of abiotic stress in crop plants. Chemical and Biological Technologies in Agriculture. 4:1-12 (2017)

    Google Scholar 

  • Vashisth A, Nagarajan S. Effect on germination and early growth characteristics in sunflower (Helianthus annuus) seeds exposed to static magnetic field. Journal of Plant Physiology. 167: 149-156 (2010)

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Waskow A, Howling A, Furno I. Mechanisms of Plasma-Seed Treatments as a Potential Seed Processing Technology. Frontiers in Physics. 9:1-23 (2021)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Weber CF. Broccoli microgreens: A mineral-rich crop that can diversify food systems. Frontiers in Nutrition. 4: 7 (2017)

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Xia Q, Li Y. Mild high hydrostatic pressure pretreatments applied before soaking process to modulate wholegrain brown rice germination: An examination on embryo growth and physicochemical properties. Food Research International. 106: 817-824 (2018)

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Xiao Z, Lester GE, Luo Y, Wang Q. Assessment of vitamin and carotenoid concentrations of emerging food products: Edible microgreens. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 60: 7644-7651 (2012)

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Xiao Z, Lester GE, Park E, Saftner RA, Luo Y, Wang Q. Evaluation and correlation of sensory attributes and chemical compositions of emerging fresh produce: Microgreens. Postharvest Biology and Technology. 110: 140-148 (2015)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yaldagard M, Mortazavi SA, Tabatabaie F. Application of ultrasonic waves as a priming technique for accelerating and enhancing the germination of barley seed: Optimization of method by the Taguchi approach. Journal of the Institute of Brewing. 114 14-21 (2008)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang C, Zhao Z, Yang G, Shi Y, Zhang Y Shi C, Xia X. Effect of slightly acidic electrolyzed water on natural Enterobacteriaceae reduction and seed germination in the production of alfalfa sprouts. Food Microbiology. 97: 103414 (2021)

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Funding

No funding was received for conducting this study. The authors have no relevant financial or non-financial interests to disclose.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Food Technology and Nutrition, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India

    Mulakala Geeta Bhabani & Rafeeya Shams

  2. Department of Food Processing Technology, Ghani Khan Choudhury Institute of Engineering and Technology, Malda, West Bengal, India

    Kshirod Kumar Dash

Authors
  1. Mulakala Geeta Bhabani
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Rafeeya Shams
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Kshirod Kumar Dash
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding authors

Correspondence to Rafeeya Shams or Kshirod Kumar Dash.

Ethics declarations

Competing interest

The authors have no competing interests to declare that are relevant to the content of this article.

Ethical approval

Not applicable.

Consent to participate

Informed consent was obtained from all individual participants included in the study.

Consent to publish

Not applicable.

Additional information

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Bhabani, M.G., Shams, R. & Dash, K.K. Microgreens and novel non-thermal seed germination techniques for sustainable food systems: a review. Food Sci Biotechnol 33, 1541–1557 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10068-024-01529-9

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10068-024-01529-9

Keywords

Search

Navigation