Photosynthetic, morphological and biochemical biomarkers as tools to investigate copper oxide nanoparticle toxicity to a freshwater chlorophyceae

Copper oxide nanoparticles exhibit variable response against enzymatic toxicity biomarkers of Moina macrocopa

Growing toxicity of nanomaterials to aquatic organisms is a major area of concern as it is destroying the carefully evolved aquatic ecosystem and food web. Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) are among the top industrially manufactured nanomaterials having multifaceted applications in medicine, agriculture, energy, water technology, and other areas. However, reports on detailed scientific understanding behind toxic effects of CuONPs on aquatic organisms are scant. The present work reports on the interaction of CuONPs of 10 ± 05 nm with an ecologically significant aquatic species, Moina macrocopa, at morphological and enzymatic levels. CuONPs were found to be severely toxic just within 48 h of exposure as seen from the lethal value (48 h LC50) of 0.137 ± 0.002 ppm. Profiling of enzymatic toxicity biomarkers indicated variable response of CuONPs on selected enzymes of M. macrocopa at two sub-lethal concentrations (0.013 to 0.039 ppm). While the activities of acetyl cholinesterase and digestive enzymes (trypsin, amylase) were found to be significantly (p < 0.001) lowered after exposure to CuONPs, the β-galactosidase activity was completely inhibited. Among the antioxidant enzymes that were assayed, superoxide dismutase and glutathione-S-transferase activity was found to increase (p > 0.001), while that of catalase decreased (p > 0.001, < 0.05) with increase in exposure to CuONPs. An upsurge of several folds was seen in the activity of alkaline phosphatase after exposure to CuONPs as compared to the control group. CuONPs accumulated in the gut region of M. macrocopa which provided an ideal environment for CuONP to interact and alter the enzymes in M. macrocopa. This report highlights the use of enzymes as sensitive biomarker to detect toxicity of trace amount of CuONPs in a very sensitive non-target crustacean species found in water bodies.

The Effecting Mechanisms of 100 nm Sized Polystyrene Nanoplastics on the Typical Coastal Alexandrium tamarense

Due to the increase in nanoplastics (NPs) abundance in aquatic environments, their effects on phytoplankton have aroused large research attention. In this study, 100 nm sized polystyrene NPs were chosen to investigate their effecting performance and mechanisms on a typical dinoflagellates Alexandrium tamarense. The results indicated the population growth and photosynthetic efficiencies of A. tamarense were significantly inhibited by NPs exposure, as well as the increase in cellular total carotenoids and paralytic shellfish toxins (PSTs). Meanwhile, the cellar ROS levels increased, corresponding to the increased activities or contents of multiple antioxidant components, including SOD, CAT, GPX, GR, GSH and GSSG. The transcriptional results support the physiological-biochemical results and further revealed the down-regulation of genes encoding the light reaction centers (PSI and PSII) and up-regulation of genes encoding the antioxidant components. Up-regulation of genes encoding key enzymes of the Calvin cycle and glycolytic pathway together with the TCA cycle could accelerate organic carbon and ATP production for A. tamarense cells resistant to NPs stress. Finally, more Glu and acetyl-CoA produced by the enhanced GSH cycle and the glycolytic pathway, respectively, accompanied by the up-regulation of Glu and Arg biosynthesis genes supported the increase in the PST contents under NPs exposure. This study established a data set involving physiological-biochemical changes and gene information about marine dinoflagellates responding to NPs, providing a data basis for further evaluating the ecological risk of NPs in marine environments.

Small particles, big effects: How nanoparticles can enhance plant growth in favorable and harsh conditions

By 2050, the global population is projected to reach 9 billion, underscoring the imperative for innovative solutions to increase grain yield and enhance food security. Nanotechnology has emerged as a powerful tool, providing unique solutions to this challenge. Nanoparticles (NPs) can improve plant growth and nutrition under normal conditions through their high surface-to-volume ratio and unique physical and chemical properties. Moreover, they can be used to monitor crop health status and augment plant resilience against abiotic stresses (such as salinity, drought, heavy metals, and extreme temperatures) that endanger global agriculture. Application of NPs can enhance stress tolerance mechanisms in plants, minimizing potential yield losses and underscoring the potential of NPs to raise crop yield and quality. This review highlights the need for a comprehensive exploration of the environmental implications and safety of nanomaterials and provides valuable guidelines for researchers, policymakers, and agricultural practitioners. With thoughtful stewardship, nanotechnology holds immense promise in shaping environmentally sustainable agriculture amid escalating environmental challenges.

Effects of ZnWO4 nanoparticles on growth, photosynthesis, and biochemical parameters of the green microalga Raphidocelis subcapitata

Nanoparticles have applications in many sectors in the society. ZnWO4 nanoparticles (ZnWO4-NPs) have potential in the fabrication of sensors, lasers, and batteries, and in environmental remediation. Thus, these NPs may reach aquatic ecosystems. However, we still do not know their effects on aquatic biota and, to our knowledge, this is the first study that evaluates the toxicity of ZnWO4-NPs in a eukaryotic organism. We evaluated the toxicity of ZnWO4-NPs on the green microalga Raphidocelis subcapitata for 96 h, in terms of growth, cell parameters, photosynthesis, and biochemical analysis. Results show that most of Zn was presented in its particulate form, with low amounts of Zn2+, resulting in toxicity at higher levels. The growth was affected from 8.4 mg L-1, with 96h-IC50 of 23.34 mg L-1. The chlorophyll a (Chl a) content increased at 30.2 mg L-1, while the fluorescence of Chl a (FL3-H) decreased at 15.2 mg L-1. We observed increased ROS levels at 44.4 mg L-1. Regarding photosynthesis, the NPs affected the oxygen evolving complex (OEC) and the efficiency of the photosystem II at 22.9 mg L-1. At 44.4 mg L-1 the qP decreased, indicating closure of reaction centers, probably affecting carbon assimilation, which explains the decay of carbohydrates. There was a decrease of qN (non-regulated energy dissipation, not used in photosynthesis), NPQ (regulated energy dissipation) and Y(NPQ) (regulated energy dissipation via heat), indicating damage to the photoprotection system; and an increase in Y(NO), which is the non-regulated energy dissipation via heat and fluorescence. The results showed that ZnWO4-NPs can affect the growth and physiological and biochemical parameters of the chlorophycean R. subcapitata. Microalgae are the base of aquatic food chains, the toxicity of emerging contaminants on microalgae can affect entire ecosystems. Therefore, our study can provide some help for better protection of aquatic ecosystems.

Harmonizing nanomaterial exposure methodologies in ecotoxicology: the effects of two innovative nanoclays in the freshwater microalgae Raphidocelis subcapitata

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) are innovative nanomaterials (NMs) with a typical nanoclay structure (height <40 nm) consisting of layers of metallic cations and hydroxides stabilized by anions and water molecules. Upon specific triggers, anions can exchange by others in the surrounding environment. Due to this stimuli-responsive behavior, LDHs are used as carriers of active ingredients in the industrial or pharmaceutical sectors. Available technical guidelines to evaluate the ecotoxicity of conventional substances do not account for the specificities of NMs, leading to inaccuracies and uncertainty. The present study aimed to assess two different exposure methodologies (serial dilutions of the stock dispersion vs. direct addition of NM powder to each concentration) on the ecotoxicological profile of different powder grain sizes of Zn-Al LDH-NO3 and Cu-Al LDH-NO3 (bulk, <25, 25-63, 63-125, 125-250, and >250 µm) in the growth of the freshwater microalgae Raphidocelis subcapitata. Results revealed that the serial dilutions methodology was preferable for Zn-Al LDH-NO3, whereas for Cu-Al LDH-NO3 both methodologies were suitable. Thus, the serial dilutions methodology was selected to assess the ecotoxicity of different grain sizes for both LDHs. All Zn-Al LDH-NO3 grain sizes yielded similar toxicity, while Cu-Al LDH-NO3 powders with smaller grain sizes caused a higher effect on microalgae growth; thus, grain size separation might be advantageous for future applications of Cu-Al LDH-NO3s. Considering the differences between exposure methodologies for the Zn-Al LDH-NO3, further research involving other NMs and species must be carried out to achieve harmonization and validation for inter-laboratory comparison.

Intrafibrillar Dispersion of Cuprous Oxide (Cu2O) Nanoflowers within Cotton Cellulose Fabrics for Permanent Antibacterial, Antifungal and Antiviral Activity

With increasingly frequent highly infectious global pandemics, the textile industry has responded by developing commercial fabric products by incorporating antibacterial metal oxide nanoparticles, particularly copper oxide in cleaning products and personal care items including antimicrobial wipes, hospital gowns and masks. Current methods use a surface adsorption method to functionalize nanomaterials to fibers. However, this results in poor durability and decreased antimicrobial activity after consecutive launderings. In this study, cuprous oxide nanoparticles with nanoflower morphology (Cu₂O nanoflowers) are synthesized in situ within the cotton fiber under mild conditions and without added chemical reducing agents from a copper (II) precursor with an average maximal Feret diameter of 72.0 ± 51.8 nm and concentration of 17,489 ± 15 mg/kg. Analysis of the Cu₂O NF-infused cotton fiber cross-section by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed the internal formation, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed the copper (I) reduced oxidation state. An exponential correlation (R² = 0.9979) between the UV-vis surface plasmon resonance (SPR) intensity at 320 nm of the Cu₂O NFs and the concentration of copper in cotton was determined. The laundering durability of the Cu₂O NF-cotton fabric was investigated, and the superior nanoparticle-leach resistance was observed, with the fabrics releasing only 19% of copper after 50 home laundering cycles. The internally immobilized Cu₂O NFs within the cotton fiber exhibited continuing antibacterial activity (≥99.995%) against K. pneumoniae, E. coli and S. aureus), complete antifungal activity (100%) against A. niger and antiviral activity (≥90%) against Human coronavirus, strain 229E, even after 50 laundering cycles.

Cercosporin-bioinspired photoinactivation of harmful cyanobacteria under natural sunlight via bifunctional mechanisms

Harmful cyanobacterial blooms (HCBs), mainly caused by eutrophication, have deleterious impacts on water resources and pose a great threat to human health and natural ecosystems. Thus, an environmentally-friendly method to inhibit HCBs is urgently needed. Learning from nature, herein, natural product cercosporin, produced by the fungi Cercospora to damage plant cells under natural sunlight, was developed as a powerful photosensitive algicidal reagent to inhibit HCBs. Microcystis aeruginosa could be severely inactivated by 20 μM cercosporin in 36 h with 95% inhibition ratio under 23 W compact fluorescent light irradiation. Further mechanism investigation showed that algal cell walls and membranes along with the antioxidant and photosynthetic systems were damaged via two mechanisms, those being, reactive oxygen species generation and cell adsorption. More importantly, the practical applicability of cercosporin was demonstrated by its effectiveness in a 2 L-scale photoinactivation experiment using cyanobacterial blooms from Taihu Lake, China under natural sunlight with a lower dosage of cercosporin (7.5 μM). This study established the bifunctional mechanisms by which cercosporin inactivates HCBs, opening design possibilities for the development of novel photosensitive algicidal reagents to control HCBs.

The effects of copper ions and copper nanomaterials on the output of amino acids from marine microalgae

In this study, the marine microalgae Skeletonema costatum and Nitzschia closterium were exposed to different forms of copper, such as a metal salt (Cu²⁺), a nano-metal (nano-Cu), and nano-metal oxide (nano-CuO). During a 96-h exposure to nanoparticles (NPs) and salt, the cell number, Cu²⁺ concentration in the culture medium, morphology, and intracellular amino acids were measured to assess the toxicity of the copper materials and the toxicity mechanism of the NPs. As results, the toxicity of Cu²⁺, nano-Cu, and nano-CuO to marine phytoplankton decreased in order. The EC₅₀ values of Cu²⁺ and nano-Cu for S. costatum and N. closterium ranged from 0.356 to 0.991 mg/L and 0.663 to 2.455 mg/L, respectively. Nano-Cu inhibits the growth of marine phytoplankton by releasing Cu²⁺; however, nano-CuO is harmful to microalgae because of the effect of NPs. The secretion of extracellular polymeric substances by microalgae could also affect the toxicity of nano-Cu and nano-CuO to microalgae. S. costatum was more sensitive to copper than N. closterium. Cu²⁺, nano-Cu, and nano-CuO all reduced per-cell amino acids and the total output of algae-derived amino acids by affecting the growth of the phytoplankton. This study helps to understand the risk assessment of nano-Cu and nano-CuO to marine microalgae.

The severe toxicity of CuO nanoparticles to the photosynthesis of the prokaryotic algae Arthrospira sp

This research first verified that prokaryotic algae are more sensitive to toxicity of CuO nanoparticles (CuO NPs) than eukaryotic algae and that CuO NPs damaged photosynthesis of prokaryotic algae (Arthrospira sp.) but had no effect on respiration. The Cu²⁺ released by CuO NPs caused a bending deformation of the thylakoid, which was an important cause of the decline in photosynthetic capacity. In addition, the D1 protein was the most susceptible site to CuO NPs. The degradation of D1 protein reduced photosynthetic electron transport, which enhanced the excess excitation energy to cause the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) to further result in oxidative stress on algae. Dissolved organic matter (DOM) increased the toxicity of CuO NPs to photosynthesis of Arthrospira sp. The damage of photosynthesis caused by CuO NPs is an important reason why CuO NPs have a serious toxicity to algae.

Effects of undissociated SiO2 and TiO2 nano-particles on molting of Daphnia pulex: Comparing with dissociated ZnO nano particles

The toxic effects of different nanoparticles (NPs) have been reported to be quite different. The present study exposed Daphnia pulex to undissociated TiO₂ NPs and SiO₂ NPs, and dissociated ZnO NPs. The acute toxicity of the three oxide NPs and their influence on D. pulex molting, as well as the expressions of genes related to molting, energy metabolism and genetic material expression were compared. The results showed that the toxicities of TiO₂ NPs and SiO₂ NPs to D. pulex were weaker than ZnO NPs. During the exposure period, agglomerates of undissociated TiO₂ NPs and SiO₂ NPs influenced movements of D. pulex, and induced their molting after attaching to the body surface. Meanwhile, gene expressions of molting (eip) and energy metabolism (scot and idh) were up-regulated. Therefore, we inferred that the adhering to the surface of daphnids, promoting their molting and improving their energy metabolism may be parts of the toxicity mechanisms of undissociated NPs to D. pulex. On the contrary, dissociated ZnO NPs inhibited molting and gene expressions of eip, scot and idh, which showed a similar trend as bulk ZnO and ZnSO₄·7H₂O under the low-dose exposure condition. This indicates that the toxic effects of dissociated ZnO NPs were primarily caused by released Zn ions. The results provided direct evidence about the effect of nanoparticles on molting and revealed that the toxicity mechanisms of dissociated NPs were different from undissociated NPs.

Effects of nano metal oxide particles on activated sludge system: Stress and performance recovery mechanism

Nano metal oxide particles (NMOPs) are widely used in daily life because of their superior performance, and inevitably enter the sewage treatment system. Pollutants in sewage are adsorbed and degraded in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) depending on the microbial aggregates of activated sludge system to achieve sewage purification. NMOPs may cause ecotoxicity to the microbial community and metabolism due to their complex chemical behavior, resulting in a potential threat to the safe and steady operation of activated sludge system. It is of great significance to clarify the influencing mechanism of NMOPs on activated sludge system and reduce the risk of WWTPs. Herein, we first introduce the physicochemical behavior of six typical engineering NMOPs including ZnO, TiO₂, CuO, CeO₂, MgO, and MnO₂ in water environment, then highlight the principal mechanisms of NMOPs for activated sludge system. In particular, the performance recovery mechanisms of activated sludge systems in the presence of NMOPs and their future development trends are well documented and discussed extensively. This review can provide a theoretical guidance and technical support for predicting and evaluating the potential threat of NMOPs on activated sludge systems, and promoting the establishment of effective control strategies and performance recovery measures of biological wastewater treatment process under the stress of NMOPs.

Charge transfer channels of silver @ cuprous oxide heterostructure core-shell nanoparticles strengthen high photocatalytic antibacterial activity

Marine biological fouling has always been a hot research topic. In this study, silver @ cuprous oxide (Ag@Cu₂O) core-shell nanoparticles were synthesized via in-situ synthesis method and developed an outstanding antibacterial activity. The bacteriostasis efficiency of Ag@Cu₂O reached to 99% and 98% against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentration of Ag@Cu₂O decreased from 113.6 μg/mL to 56.8 μg/mL compared with Cu₂O. Ag@Cu₂O had better antibacterial activity than Cu₂O with lower content of Cu₂O and was more environment friendly. The heterostructure formed at the interface between Ag and Cu₂O promoted the separation and diffusion of photogenerated electron-hole pairs through the charge transfer channel and promoted the generation of reactive oxygen species. The outstanding antibacterial activity of Ag@Cu₂O was strongly depended on the generation of the reactive oxygen species. Density functional theory and finite element method calculations demonstrated that the structure of core-shell improved photocatalytic efficiency. Additionally, synergetic effect of released Ag⁺ and Cu²⁺ also enhanced the bacteriostasis rate and the long-term antifouling performance in 60 days. Hence, the synthesized core-shell Ag@Cu₂O can be applied as novel antifoulants in the marine field.

Metal- and metal/oxide-based engineered nanoparticles and nanostructures: a review on the applications, nanotoxicological effects, and risk control strategies

The production and demand of nanoparticles in the manufacturing sector and personal care products, release a large number of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) into the atmosphere, aquatic ecosystems, and terrestrial environments. The intentional or involuntary incorporation of ENPs into the environment is carried out through different processes. The ENPs are combined with other compounds and release into the atmosphere, settling on the ground due to the water cycle or other atmospheric phenomena. In the case of aquatic ecosystems, the ENPs undergo hetero-aggregation and sedimentation, reaching different living organisms and flora, as well as groundwater. Accordingly, the high mobility of ENPs in diverse ecosystems is strongly related to physical, chemical, and biological processes. Recent studies have been focused on the toxicological effects of a wide variety of ENPs using different validated biological models. This literature review emphasizes the study of toxicological effects related to using the most common ENPs, specifically metal and metal/oxides-based nanoparticles, addressing different synthesis methodologies, applications, and toxicological evaluations. The results suggest negative impacts on biological models, such as oxidative stress, metabolic and locomotive toxicity, DNA replication dysfunction, and bioaccumulation. Finally, it was consulted the protocols for the control of risks, following the assessment and management process, as well as the classification system for technological alternatives and risk management measures of ENPs, which are useful for the transfer of technology and nanoparticles commercialization.

Environmental concentrations of copper nanoparticles affect vital functions in Ankistrodesmus densus

Nanoparticles (NPs) have unique properties, leading to their widespread application in industry, consequently increasing their concentration in aquatic ecosystems. Although environmentally significant concentrations are still low, they tend to increase because of the intense use, posing into risk microalgae communities. Microalgae are primary producers that support food chains in aquatic ecosystems; thus factors that interfere with their physiology can be propagated throughout the food web. The present research investigated the effects of copper nanoparticles (Cu-NPs) in the physiology of a cosmopolitan green microalgae, Ankistrodesmus densus. Here, we focused on environmental NPs levels, so an ample Cu-NPs range was used, 0.3-635 μg L^-1. Considering that NPs dissolve into the medium releasing their constituent material, free Cu²⁺ ions were determined and considered as surrogate for NPs concentration, which varied from 2.1 × 10^-9 to 8.4 × 10^-9 mol L^-1. The experiment was based in 72 h Cu-NPs exposure, and to access the physiology of A. densus, we monitored population growth, photochemistry of photosynthesis and the content of cell biomolecules (total proteins, carbohydrates and lipids). The results showed that 2.1 × 10^-9 mol L^-1 free Cu²⁺ was enough to decrease growth rate, but 2.5x higher Cu was necessary to affect the photosynthetic parameters. Inorganic carbon fixation rate calculated by absolute electron transport rates was affected. Considering cell biomolecules, total proteins accumulated at 6.5 × 10^-9 and kept increasing up to 8.4 × 10^-9 mol L^-1 free Cu²⁺. Because this was not related to biomass formation, we suggest a possible association with cell detoxification mechanisms. The most clear finding that emerged from this study is that environmental Cu-NPs concentrations affect vital functions in the green microalgae A. densus. An implication of this is the possibility of facing problems related to a increase of NPs in aquatic ecosystems in the near future.

Accumulation and cellular toxicity of engineered metallic nanoparticle in freshwater microalgae: Current status and future challenges

Metal nanoparticles (MNPs) are employed in a variety of medical and non-medical applications. Over the past two decades, there has been substantial research on the impact of metallic nanoparticles on algae and cyanobacteria, which are at the base of aquatic food webs. In this review, the current status of our understanding of mechanisms of uptake and toxicity of MNPs and metal ions released from MNPs after dissolution in the surrounding environment were discussed. Also, the trophic transfer of MNPs in aquatic food webs was analyzed in this review. Approximately all metallic nanoparticles cause toxicity in algae. Predominantly, MNPs are less toxic compared to their corresponding metal ions. There is a sufficient evidence for the trophic transfer of MNPs in aquatic food webs. Internalization of MNPs is indisputable in algae, however, mechanisms of their transmembrane transport are inadequately known. Most of the toxicity studies are carried out with solitary species of MNPs under laboratory conditions rarely found in natural ecosystems. Oxidative stress is the primary toxicity mechanism of MNPs, however, oxidative stress seems a general response predictable to other abiotic stresses. MNP-specific toxicity in an algal cell is yet unknown. Lastly, the mechanism of MNP internalization, toxicity, and excretion in algae needs to be understood carefully for the risk assessment of MNPs to aquatic biota.