Effects of Quantum Dots Adsorption on Algal Photosynthesis

Abstract

We report on the adsorption of CdSe/ZnS quantum dots and its effects on algal photosynthesis. A logarithmic trend was established for the adsorption process using UV-vis spectrophotometry, with Freundlich constants determined as k ) 0.588 ppm 1-n and n ) 0.629. Both our CO 2 depletion and O 2 production assays showed a significantly inhibited photosynthetic activity of the algae exposed to the quantum dots, suggesting the potential impact of nanoparticle adsorption on the photochemistry of plant species.

Impact of nano titanium dioxide exposure on cellular structure of Anabaena variabilis and evidence of internalization

“…The confocal feature and the high Z-axis resolution of our Raman analysis confirmed that the nTiO 2 was indeed present inside A. variabilis cells, rather than possibly on top of or beneath the algal cells. To our knowledge, this is the first study showing the internalization of nTiO 2 by cyanobacteria algae cells, which is contrary to the previous hypothesis of inability of NMs to pass thick algal cell walls [13]. However, further studies are needed to understand fully the mechanisms involved in NMs transport through cell membranes at the nanoscale.…”

“…The bioavailability and toxicity of nTiO 2 to algal ecosystems is of concern for the essential ecological role of prokaryotic and eukaryotic algae in primary productivity and aquatic food web chain equilibria [10]. A few studies have investigated the impact of NMs on algal ecosystems [11][12][13] using conventional regulatory toxicological methods with freshwater indicator microorganisms (Selenastrum capricornutum, Desmodesmus subspicatus) [3,14]. The results confirmed that exposure to nTiO 2 affects algal growth [3] and photosynthetic activity [12] and that abiotic parameters, such as particle size/aggregation and illumination, are key factors affecting nTiO 2 toxicity [15,16].…”

Interactions between salt marsh plants and Cu nanoparticles – Effects on metal uptake and phytoremediation processes

“…Direct NPs effects may be also associated with the induction of oxidative stress (von Moos and Slaveykova, 2014), membrane deterioration (Wang et al, 2011a(Wang et al, , 2011b and decreased cellular exchanges with the media due to particles binding on cell membrane (Lin et al, 2009, Perreault et al, 2012a. For instance, Cu NPs can cause oxidative stress and production of ROS (Kim et al, 2012;Perreault et al, 2014).…”

A Stable, Reusable, and Highly Active Photosynthetic Bioreactor by Bio-Interfacing an Individual Cyanobacterium with a Mesoporous Bilayer Nanoshell

“…Au nanoparticles have a strong interaction with cells, which may cause aggregations inside the cells and inhibit photosynthetic activities. [ 38 ] On day 7, both of cells on biohybrid and silica-coated surfaces still maintain the original morphologies, which allows the conclusion that the both of biohybrids and silica are biocompatible to the cells. Furthermore, the number of cells on the silica observed by SEM greatly decreases in comparison with the biohybrid-coated surface ( Figure S9, Supporting Information).…”