Effect of Silver Nanoparticles on Growth of Eukaryotic Green Algae

Abstract

Abstract:Silver nanoparticles, endowed with powerful antimicrobial property, are the most widely used nanomaterial in consumer products, with associated risk of their easy access to environment and freshwater ecosystems by surface runoff. Although toxic effects of nanosilver on bacterial, fungal and mammalian cells have been documented, its impact on algal growth remains unknown. Pithophora oedogonia and Chara vulgaris are predominant members of photosynthetic eukaryotic algae, which form major component of global aquatic ecosystem. Here we report for the first time that nanosilver has significant adverse effects on growth and morphology of these filamentous green algae in a dose-dependent manner. Exposure of algal thalli to increasing concentrations of silver nanoparticles resulted in progressive depletion in algal chlorophyll content, chromosome instability and mitotic disturbance, associated with morphological malformations in algal filaments. SEM micrographs revealed dramatic alterations in cell wall in nanoparticle-treated algae, characterized with cell wall rupture and degradation in Pithophora. Although these observations underscore severe deleterious effects of nanosilver on aquatic environment, the information can also be exploited as a bioengineering strategy to control unwanted and persistent growth of noxious algal weeds that clog the municipal water supply and water channels and produce fouling of water bodies.

Study on the Antagonistic Potential of Biosynthesized Hematite Nanoparticles During Water and Wastewater Treatment

“…Such phenomena are similar to that reported in filaments of Pithophora sp. by Dash et al, where AgNPs caused fragmentation and subsequent disintegration of chloroplasts. Other cytotoxicity features such as deterioration in algal cell division and severe alternations in enzyme activity were observed in C. vulgaris by exposure to NiO‐NPs …”

Fluorescence Emission Spectrum of Elodea Leaves Exposed to Nanoparticles

“…Comparative studies of effect of [24]. Exposure of algal thalli to increase concentrations of silver nanoparticles resulted in progressive depletion in algal chlorophyll content [25]. Relatively small volume fraction of magnetic fluid solutions of iron nanoparticles caused to increase the level of chlorophyll a (up to 38%) in the Zea mays plantlets.…”

Antimicrobial Activity of Biosynthesized Silver Nanoparticles against E. coli and B. subtilis

“…It was found that exposing those cells to different concentrations of AgNPs causes dissipation of a proton motive force due to the accumulation of envelope protein precursors. Those identified proteins are involved in critical processes in the cell such as oxidative stress tolerance, metal detoxification, transcription and elongation processes, protein degradation, cytoskeleton remodeling and cell division [32]. Proteomics as an emerging technology provide a critical way to understand the toxicity of AgNPs on different proteins produced in the cells.…”