Cyanoremediation and phyconanotechnology: cyanobacteria for metal biosorption toward a circular economy

Abstract

Cyanobacteria are widespread phototrophic microorganisms that represent a promising biotechnological tool to satisfy current sustainability and circularity requirements. They are potential bio-factories of a wide range of compounds that can be exploited in several fields including bioremediation and nanotechnology sectors. This article aims to illustrate the most recent trends in the use of cyanobacteria for the bioremoval (i.e., cyanoremediation) of heavy metals and metal recovery and reuse. Heavy metal biosorption by cyanobacteria can be combined with the consecutive valorization of the obtained metal-organic materials to get added-value compounds, including metal nanoparticles, opening the field of phyconanotechnology. It is thus possible that the use of combined approaches could increase the environmental and economic feasibility of cyanobacteria-based processes, promoting the transition toward a circular economy.

The Multifaceted Perspective on the Role of Green Synthesis of Nanoparticles in Promoting a Sustainable Green Economy

“…Industries are adopting detecting systems based on nanoparticles in compliance with strict environmental rules, which lowers the possibility of legal repercussions and increases corporate accountability. Businesses that invest in and use these technologies not only help to create a cleaner and healthier environment, but also boost economic growth by creating and distributing novel solutions that support a green economy that is more robust and sustainable [87,88].…”

The Multifaceted Perspective on the Role of Green Synthesis of Nanoparticles in Promoting a Sustainable Green Economy

“…Industries are adopting detecting systems based on nanoparticles in compliance with strict environmental rules, which lowers the possibility of legal repercussions and increases corporate accountability. Businesses that invest in and use these technologies not only help to create a cleaner and healthier environment but also boost economic growth by creating and distributing novel solutions that support a green economy that is more robust and sustainable [63][64].…”

Cyanoremediation of heavy metals (As(v), Cd(ii), Cr(vi), Pb(ii)) by live cyanobacteria (Anabaena variabilis, and Synechocystis sp.): an eco-sustainable technology

“… 2 The persistent HMs can be magnified within the trophic levels of the food chain, inheriting mutagenic and/or carcinogenic potential for human beings. 3 The toxicity of HMs (As( v ), Cd( ii ), Cr( vi ), Pb( ii )) has become a global issue because of their presence in the food chain, as human beings are the top consumers in the food chain. 4 HMs in drinking water can cause chronic effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, kidney failure, cognitive impairment, thyroid abnormalities, muscle weakness, and cancer.…”

“…Bioremediation or bioremoval of HMs using ubiquitous autotrophic cyanobacteria is called cyanoremediation, 3 and is being used for soil and wastewater treatment due to its cost-effective and environment-friendly nature. The small size, ability to withstand harsh environments, simple nutrient requirements, high surface-to-volume ratio, greater mucilage volume, and detoxification mechanism of cyanobacteria bestow upon them the capability of efficient bioremoval of HMs.…”