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VOL. 10, ISSUE 2 (2025)
Effect of titanium dioxide (TIO2) nanoparticles on photosynthetic pigments, lipids and antioxidant activity of D. salina
Authors
Prateek Dutt Rawal, GP Singh
Abstract
Dunaliella salina,
a halophilic green microalga, is recognized for its robust adaptability and
commercial potential in producing high-value compounds such as carotene and
lipids. Its exceptional capacity for carotene accumulation,
particularly the cis isomer, combined with its adaptability to harsh
environmental conditions, solidifies its status as a premier candidate for
natural carotene production. Its ability to modulate intracellular glycerol
levels enables it to thrive under extreme salinity, temperature, and light
conditions, making it a resilient model organism in ecotoxicological studies.
In this study, the impact of varying concentrations of Titanium dioxide
nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) ranging from 100 to 5000 ppm was assessed
on the photosynthetic pigment profile of D. salina over a five-week
period. Chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and total carotenoids were quantified
weekly to evaluate photosynthetic performance. Also, lipid content and
antioxidant activity at the end of 5 weeks was also quantified to establish a
better correlation between Nanoparticle concentration and Oxidative stress due
to ROS generation. The results demonstrated a marked, dose and time dependent
decline in pigment content, with reductions reaching up to 95 in chlorophyll
a, 99.44 in chlorophyll b, and 94.22 in total carotenoids at the highest
concentrations. Lipid content and antioxidant activity at the end of 5 weeks
showed enhancement in lipid content of 33.84 more than control sample and
Antioxidant activity spike of 24.28. These findings highlight the significant
phytotoxic effects of Titanium dioxide nanoparticles and emphasize the need for
further research into their mechanisms of toxicity and the development of
mitigation strategies to safeguard aquatic ecosystems from nanoparticle
contamination. Additionally, these results have implications for augmenting
lipid contents for biofuel production.
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Pages:94-102
How to cite this article:
Prateek Dutt Rawal, GP Singh "Effect of titanium dioxide (TIO2) nanoparticles on photosynthetic pigments, lipids and antioxidant activity of <i>D. salina</i>". International Journal of Advanced Scientific Research, Vol 10, Issue 2, 2025, Pages 94-102
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