Synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of bioactivity of novel Fe(II) nano-complexes based on sucrose, glucose, and fructose

Novel saccharide/Fe(II) complexes, sucrose/Fe(II) (1), glucose/Fe(II) (2), and fructose/Fe(II) (3) were synthesized. XRD, FTIR, NMR, TEM, XPS, UV–vis and DSC were applied for characterization. The amorphous complex is confirmed as nanoscale. It shows that the complex has ultraviolet absorption characteristics and high stability in acid and weak alkaline environments. The exothermic property at high temperature implies that it could be kept and used in normal environment. An analysis of in vitro bioactivity on apple dwarfing rootstock G. 935 reveals that complex 1 is able to provide iron for plantlets. Compared with EDTA/Fe(II), complex 1 has higher uptake efficiency and harmlessness in tissue culture. The above results suggest that the saccharide-based Fe(II) nano-complex could be applied for plant growth as iron source.