1
|
Salmeron Covarrubias LP, Beluri K, Mohammadi Y, Easmin N, Palacios OA, Sharifan H. Advanced Nanoenabled Microalgae Systems: Integrating Oxidative Stress-Induced Metabolic Reprogramming and Enhanced Lipid Biosynthesis for Next-Generation Biofuel Production. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2025; 8:3513-3524. [PMID: 40200863 PMCID: PMC12015946 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.5c00300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2025] [Revised: 04/01/2025] [Accepted: 04/03/2025] [Indexed: 04/10/2025]
Abstract
The growing demand for renewable energy has positioned microalgae, such as Chlorella vulgaris, as a promising feedstock for sustainable biofuel production. Leveraging nanotechnology, this study explores the multifaceted impacts of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) on C. vulgaris, focusing on lipid biosynthesis, oxidative stress, biomass productivity, and photosynthetic pigment retention. The morphology of NPs and algae and their interactions were extensively studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), confocal microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The ZnO NP-enabled microalgae system enhanced lipid accumulation to as high as 48% at 50 mg/L. Biomass production and pigment content remained stable within the applied dose of NPs (20-50 mg/L), highlighting the resilience of C. vulgaris under NP exposure. However, at 100 mg/L, photosynthetic efficiency was disrupted, pigment content was reduced, and lipid yield declined to 30%. The enzymatic activity of catalase (CAT) revealed significant upregulation at higher ZnO NP concentrations, further corroborating the stress-induced metabolic shifts. This study also introduced a model for the Biofuel Suitability Score (BSS), which integrates lipid content, biomass productivity, oxidative stress levels, and pigment retention to identify the optimal conditions for biofuel production. The BSS peaked at moderate ZnO NP concentrations (30-50 mg/L), indicating a balance between lipid biosynthesis and cellular integrity. Beyond this threshold, oxidative damage compromises the biofuel potential, emphasizing the critical need for precise control of NP exposure. These findings highlight the potential of ZnO NPs to induce lipid accumulation through targeted stress modulation while maintaining biomass quality, advancing the application of nanotechnology in sustainable bioenergy systems. This study provides a scalable framework for integrating nanotechnology into renewable energy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luis Pablo Salmeron Covarrubias
- Department
of Earth, Environmental and Resource Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas 79968, United States
| | - Kavitha Beluri
- Environmental
Science and Engineering Program, University
of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas 79968, United States
| | - Yasaman Mohammadi
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University
of Texas at El Paso, 500 W University Ave, El Paso, Texas 79968, United
States
| | - Nusrat Easmin
- Environmental
Science and Engineering Program, University
of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas 79968, United States
| | - Oskar A. Palacios
- Faculty
of Chemical Sciences, Universidad Autonoma
de Chihuahua, Circuito Universitario S/N, Campus UACH II, Chihuahua, Chih 31125, Mexico
| | - Hamidreza Sharifan
- Environmental
Science and Engineering Program, University
of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas 79968, United States
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University
of Texas at El Paso, 500 W University Ave, El Paso, Texas 79968, United
States
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Thirumavalavan M, Sukumar K, Sabarimuthu SQ. Trends in green synthesis, pharmaceutical and medical applications of nano ZnO: A review. INORG CHEM COMMUN 2024; 169:113002. [DOI: 10.1016/j.inoche.2024.113002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2024]
|
3
|
Azarin K, Usatov A, Minkina T, Duplii N, Fedorenko A, Plotnikov A, Mandzhieva S, Kumar R, Yong JWH, Sehar S, Rajput VD. Evaluating the phytotoxicological effects of bulk and nano forms of zinc oxide on cellular respiration-related indices and differential gene expression in Hordeum vulgare L. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 282:116670. [PMID: 38981388 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
The increasing use of nanoparticles is driving the growth of research on their effects on living organisms. However, studies on the effects of nanoparticles on cellular respiration are still limited. The remodeling of cellular-respiration-related indices in plants induced by zinc oxide nanoparticles (nnZnO) and its bulk form (blZnO) was investigated for the first time. For this purpose, barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) seedlings were grown hydroponically for one week with the addition of test compounds at concentrations of 0, 0.3, 2, and 10 mg mL-1. The results showed that a low concentration (0.3 mg mL-1) of blZnO did not cause significant changes in the respiration efficiency, ATP content, and total reactive oxygen species (ROS) content in leaf tissues. Moreover, a dose of 0.3 mg mL-1 nnZnO increased respiration efficiency in both leaves (17 %) and roots (38 %). Under the influence of blZnO and nnZnO at medium (2 mg mL-1) and high (10 mg mL-1) concentrations, a dose-dependent decrease in respiration efficiency from 28 % to 87 % was observed. Moreover, the negative effect was greater under the influence of nnZnO. The gene transcription of the subunits of the mitochondria electron transport chain (ETC) changed mainly only under the influence of nnZnO in high concentration. Expression of the ATPase subunit gene, atp1, increased slightly (by 36 %) in leaf tissue under the influence of medium and high concentrations of test compounds, whereas in the root tissues, the atp1 mRNA level decreased significantly (1.6-2.9 times) in all treatments. A dramatic decrease (1.5-2.4 times) in ATP content was also detected in the roots. Against the background of overexpression of the AOX1d1 gene, an isoform of alternative oxidase (AOX), the total ROS content in leaves decreased (with the exception of 10 mg mL-1 nnZnO). However, in the roots, where the pressure of the stress factor is higher, there was a significant increase in ROS levels, with a maximum six-fold increase under 10 mg mL-1 nnZnO. A significant decrease in transcript levels of the pentose phosphate pathway and glycolytic enzymes was also shown in the root tissues compared to leaves. Thus, the disruption of oxidative phosphorylation leads to a decrease in ATP synthesis and an increase in ROS production; concomitantly reducing the efficiency of cellular respiration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kirill Azarin
- Southern Federal University, Rostov-on-Don 344090, the Russian Federation
| | - Alexander Usatov
- Southern Federal University, Rostov-on-Don 344090, the Russian Federation
| | - Tatiana Minkina
- Southern Federal University, Rostov-on-Don 344090, the Russian Federation
| | - Nadezhda Duplii
- Southern Federal University, Rostov-on-Don 344090, the Russian Federation
| | - Aleksei Fedorenko
- Southern Federal University, Rostov-on-Don 344090, the Russian Federation
| | - Andrey Plotnikov
- Southern Federal University, Rostov-on-Don 344090, the Russian Federation
| | - Saglara Mandzhieva
- Southern Federal University, Rostov-on-Don 344090, the Russian Federation
| | - Rahul Kumar
- Chitkara Centre for Research and Development, Chitkara University, Himachal Pradesh 174103, India
| | - Jean Wan Hong Yong
- Department of Biosystems and Technology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Alnarp 23456, Sweden.
| | - Shafaque Sehar
- Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Vishnu D Rajput
- Southern Federal University, Rostov-on-Don 344090, the Russian Federation.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Biswas A, Pal S. Plant-nano interactions: A new insight of nano-phytotoxicity. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2024; 210:108646. [PMID: 38657549 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2024.108646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Whether nanoparticles (NPs) are boon or bane for society has been a centre of in-depth debate and key consideration in recent times. Exclusive physicochemical properties like small size, large surface area-to-volume ratio, robust catalytic activity, immense surface energy, magnetism and superior biocompatibility make NPs obligatory in many scientific, biomedical and industrial ventures. Nano-enabled products are newer entrants in the present era. To attenuate environmental stress and maximize crop yields, scientists are tempted to introduce NPs as augmented supplements in agriculture. The feasible approaches for NPs delivery are irrigation, foliar spraying or seed priming. Internalization of excessive NPs to plants endorses negative implications at higher trophic levels via biomagnification. The characteristics of NPs (dimensions, type, solubility, surface charge), applied concentration and duration of exposure are prime factors conferring nanotoxicity in plants. Several reports approved NPs persuaded toxicity can precisely mimic abiotic stress effects. The signature effects of nanotoxicity include poor root outgrowth, biomass reduction, oxidative stress evolution, lipid peroxidation, biomolecular damage, perturbed antioxidants, genotoxicity and nutrient imbalance in plants. NPs stress impels mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling cascade and urges stress responsive defence gene expression to counteract stress in plants. Exogenous supplementation of nitric oxide (NO), arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF), phytohormones, and melatonin (ME) is novel strategy to circumvent nanotoxicity. Briefly, this review appraises plants' physio-biochemical responses and adaptation scenarios to endure NPs stress. As NPs stress represents large-scale contaminants, advanced research is indispensable to avert indiscriminate NPs usage for synchronizing nano-security in multinational markets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ankita Biswas
- Department of Botany, Lady Brabourne College, P-1/2, Suhrawardy Ave, Beniapukur, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700017, India
| | - Suparna Pal
- Department of Botany, Lady Brabourne College, P-1/2, Suhrawardy Ave, Beniapukur, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700017, India.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Salehi H, Cheheregani Rad A, Raza A, Djalovic I, Prasad PVV. The comparative effects of manganese nanoparticles and their counterparts (bulk and ionic) in Artemisia annua plants via seed priming and foliar application. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 13:1098772. [PMID: 36743542 PMCID: PMC9893273 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.1098772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The world has experienced an unprecedented boom in nanotechnology. Nanoparticles (NPs) are likely to act as biostimulants in various plants due to having high surface/volume value. However, understanding the actual effect of NPs is essential to discriminate them from other counterparts in terms of being applicable, safe and cost-effective. This study aimed to assay the impact of manganese(III) oxide (Mn2O3)-NPs via seed-priming (SP) and a combination of SP and foliar application (SP+F) on Artemisia. annua performance at several times intervals and comparison with other available manganese (Mn) forms. Our findings indicate that SP with MnSO4 and Mn2O3-NPs stimulates the processes that occur prior to germination and thus reduces the time for radicle emergence. In both applications (i.e., SP and +F), none of the Mn treatments did show adverse phytotoxic on A. annua growth at morpho-physio and biochemical levels except for Mn2O3, which delayed germination and further plant growth, subsequently. Besides, from physio-biochemical data, it can be inferred that the general mechanism mode of action of Mn is mainly attributed to induce the photosynthetic processes, stimulate the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and up-regulation of proline and phenolic compounds. Therefore, our results showed that both enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants could be influenced by the application of Mn treatments in a type-dependent manner. In general, this study revealed that Mn2O3-NPs at the tested condition could be used as biostimulants to improve germination, seedling development and further plant growth. However, they are not as effective as MnSO4 treatments. Nonetheless, these findings can be used to consider and develop Mn2O3-NPs priming in future studies to improve seed germination and seedling quality in plants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hajar Salehi
- Laboratory of Plant Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
| | | | - Ali Raza
- College of Agriculture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Ivica Djalovic
- Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops, National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - P. V. Vara Prasad
- Department of Agronomy, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, United States
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Doria-Manzur A, Sharifan H, Tejeda-Benitez L. Application of zinc oxide nanoparticles to promote remediation of nickel by Sorghum bicolor: metal ecotoxic potency and plant response. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOREMEDIATION 2022; 25:98-105. [PMID: 35452585 DOI: 10.1080/15226514.2022.2060934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Nickel (Ni) is one of the most toxic metals in human health. Its bioaccumulation in gluten-free crops limits the progressing demand of safe foods for allergic people to gluten. Nanoparticles have shown promising results in enhancing the crop yield and reducing the risk of heavy metal uptake. However, their nanotoxicity has been raised environmental concerns. This study investigated the environmental behavior of Ni (II) with the co-presence of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) in sorghum bicolor. The plants were exposed to different treatments of Ni, ZnO-NPs, or their coexistence. The uptake experiments were carried out within nine treatments consisting of 1 or 5 ppm Ni alone or in coexistence with 50 or 100 ppm ZnO-NPs. The physiological impacts on plants as potential fingerprints for nanotoxicity were recorded and assessed in a phenotypic spectrum. The total Ni or Zn contents were quantified using atomic absorption. NPs significantly altered the bioavailability of Ni. The results revealed that at 5 ppm Ni contamination, 50 and 100 ZnO-NPs significantly reduced the Ni uptake by ∼43% and 47%, respectively. Further, the results showed at 50 ppm NPs, the phytotoxicity effects of both Ni and NPs may reduce, leading to higher plant dry biomass yield.Novelty statement Characterization of zinc oxide nanotoxicity threshold by developing a phenotypic spectrum. Also, the study revealed the phytoremediation potential of ZnO nanoparticle in mitigating the nickel uptake in a gluten-free crop (sorghum bicolor).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alonso Doria-Manzur
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Construction Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA
- Department of Medicine, Research group BIOTOXAM, University of Cartagena, Cartagena, Colombia
| | | | - Lesly Tejeda-Benitez
- Department of Medicine, Research group BIOTOXAM, University of Cartagena, Cartagena, Colombia
- Department of Engineering, Research group IDAB, University of Cartagena, Cartagena, Colombia
| |
Collapse
|