Fully understanding the environmental
implications of engineered
nanomaterials is crucial for their safe and sustainable use. Cyanobacteria,
as the pioneers of the planet earth, play important roles in global
carbon and nitrogen cycling. Here, we evaluated the biological effects
of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanosheets on a N2-fixation cyanobacteria (Nostoc sphaeroides) by
monitoring growth and metabolome changes. MoS2 nanosheets
did not exert overt toxicity to Nostoc at the tested
doses (0.1 and 1 mg/L). On the contrary, the intrinsic enzyme-like
activities and semiconducting properties of MoS2 nanosheets
promoted the metabolic processes of Nostoc, including
enhancing CO2-fixation-related Calvin cycle metabolic pathway.
Meanwhile, MoS2 boosted the production of a range of biochemicals,
including sugars, fatty acids, amino acids, and other valuable end
products. The altered carbon metabolism subsequently drove proportional
changes in nitrogen metabolism in Nostoc. These intracellular
metabolic changes could potentially alter global C and N cycles. The
findings of this study shed light on the nature and underlying mechanisms
of bio-nanoparticle interactions, and offer the prospect of utilization
bio-nanomaterials for efficient CO2 sequestration and sustainable
biochemical production.
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