Proteomic evaluation of nanotoxicity in aquatic organisms: A review

Microalgae-mediated green synthesis of silver nanoparticles: a sustainable approach using extracellular polymeric substances from Graesiella emersonii KNUA204

Traditional nanoparticle synthesis relies on chemical and physical methods that often involve hazardous reagents, high energy consumption, and environmental toxicity. As a sustainable alternative, biological synthesis utilizes biomolecules in an eco-friendly manner to form nanoparticles. This study explores the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) secreted by the microalga Graesiella emersonii KNUA204, highlighting the potential of microalgal biomolecules in nanotechnology. EPS-rich supernatant from G. emersonii enabled AgNP formation under light without the need for biomass pre-processing. The effects of culture age, pH (optimal at 10-11), and tetracycline as a secondary stabilizer were examined. Tetracycline accelerated AgNP formation in dark conditions but could not fully substitute light-induced reduction. The synthesized AgNPs and tetracycline-assisted AgNPs (Tetra-AgNPs) were characterized using UV-visible spectroscopy, EDX, XRD, FTIR, TEM, and Zeta potential measurements, confirming their crystalline, spherical, and moderately stable properties. Biological assays showed strong antibacterial activity at 10 μg mL-1, though Tetra-AgNPs did not outperform AgNPs or tetracycline alone, suggesting structural incorporation of tetracycline. Both AgNPs and Tetra-AgNPs showed similar antioxidant activity. These findings support the potential of G. emersonii KNUA204 for dual biomass utilization, integrating biofuel production with nanomaterial synthesis. Further optimization of EPS composition and biosynthesis conditions could enhance nanoparticle properties for biomedical and environmental applications, reinforcing microalgae as a platform for sustainable nanotechnology.

Insight interactions of engineered nanoparticles with aquatic higher plants for phytoaccumulation, phytotoxicity, and phytoremediation applications: A review

With the growing age of human civilization, industrialization has paced up equally which is followed by the innovation of newer concepts of science and technology. One such example is the invention of engineered nanoparticles and their flagrant use in widespread applications. While ENPs serve their intended purposes, they also disrupt the ecological balance by contaminating pristine aquatic ecosystems. This review encompasses a comprehensive discussion about the potent toxicity of ENPs on aquatic ecosystems, with a particular focus on their impact on aquatic higher plants. The discussion extends to elucidating the fate of ENPs upon release into aquatic environments, covering aspects ranging from morphological and physiological effects to molecular-level phytotoxicity. Furthermore, this level of toxicity has been correlated with the determination of competent plants for the phytoremediation process towards the mitigation of this ecological stress. However, this review further illustrates the path of future research which is yet to be explored. Determination of the genotoxicity level of aquatic higher plants could explain the entire process comprehensively. Moreover, to make it suitable to be used in natural ecosystems phytoremediation potential of co-existing plant species along with the presence of different ENPs need to be evaluated. This literature will undoubtedly offer readers a comprehensive understanding of the stress induced by the irresponsible release of engineered nanoparticles (ENP) into aquatic environments, along with insights into the resilience characteristics of these pristine ecosystems.