Externally supplied ascorbic acid moderates detrimental effects of UV-C exposure in cyanobacteria.

The defensive role performed by exogenously supplied ascorbic acid in the cyanobacterium Nostoc muscorum Meg1 against damages produced by UV-C radiation exposure was assessed in this study. Exposure to UV-C (24 mJ/cm2) significantly enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) (50%) along with peroxidation of lipids (21%) and protein oxidation (22%) in the organism. But, addition of 0.5 mM ascorbic acid prior to UV-C exposure showed reduction in ROS production (1.7%) and damages to lipids and proteins (1.5 and 2%, respectively). Light and transmission electron microscopic studies revealed that ascorbic acid not only protected filament breakage but also restricted severe ultrastructural changes and cellular damages in the organism. Although the growth of the organism was repressed up to 9% under UV-C treatment within 15 days, a pre-treatment with ascorbic acid led to growth enhancement by 42% in the same period. Various growth parameters such as photo-absorbing pigments (phycoerythrin, phycocyanin, allophycocyanin, chlorophyll a, and carotenoids), water splitting complex (WSC), D1 protein, RuBisCO, glutamine synthetase and nitrogenase activities in the UV-C treated organism were seen to be relatively intact in the presence of ascorbic acid. Thus, a detailed analysis undertaken in the present study was able to demonstrate that ascorbic acid not only act as first responder against harmful UV-C radiation by down-regulating ROS production, it also accelerated the growth performance in the organism in the post UV-C incubation period as an immediate response to an adverse experience presented in the form of UV-C radiation exposure.

Synergistic regulation of hydrogen sulfide and nitric oxide on biochemical components, exopolysaccharides, and nitrogen metabolism in nickel stressed rice field cyanobacteria.

The present study examined the regulatory mechanism of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and nitric oxide (NO) in nickel (Ni) stressed cyanobacteria viz., Nostoc muscorum and Anabaena sp. by analyzing growth, photosynthetic pigments, biochemical components (protein and carbohydrate), exopolysaccharides (EPS), inorganic nitrogen content, and activity of enzymes comprised in nitrogen metabolism and Ni accumulation. The 1 µM Ni substantially diminished growth by 18% and 22% in N. muscorum and Anabaena sp. respectively, along with declining the pigment contents (Chl a/Car ratio and phycobiliproteins), and biochemical components. It also exerted negative impacts on inorganic uptake of nitrate and nitrite contents; nitrate reductase and nitrite reductase; and ammonium assimilating enzymes (glutamine synthetase, glutamate synthase, and glutamate dehydrogenase exhibited a reverse trend) activities. Nonetheless, the adverse impact of Ni can be mitigated through the exogenous supplementation of NaHS [sodium hydrosulfide (8 µM); H2S donor] and SNP [sodium nitroprusside (10 µM); NO donor] which showed substantial improvement on growth, pigments, nitrogen metabolism, and EPS layer and noticeably occurred as a consequence of a substantial reduction in Ni accumulation content which minimized the toxicity effects. The accumulation of Ni on both the cyanobacterial cell surface (EPS layer) are confirmed by the SEM-EDX analysis. Further, the addition of NO scavenger (PTIO; 20 µM) and inhibitor of NO (L-NAME; 100 µM); and H2S scavenger (HT; 20 µM) and H2S inhibitor (PAG; 50 µM) reversed the positive responses of H2S and NO and damages were more prominent under Ni stress thereby, suggesting the downstream signaling of H2S on NO-mediated alleviation. Thus, this study concludes the crosstalk mechanism of H2S and NO in the mitigation of Ni-induced toxicity in rice field cyanobacteria.

Assessing thallium phycoremediation by applying Anabaena laxa and Nostoc muscorum and exploring its effect on cellular growth, antioxidant, and metabolic profile.

Thallium (Tl), a key element in high-tech industries, is recognized as a priority pollutant by the US EPA and EC. Tl accumulation threatens aquatic ecosystems. Despite its toxicity, little is known about its impact on cyanobacteria. This study explores the biochemical mechanisms of Tl(I) toxicity in cyanobacteria, focusing on physiology, metabolism, oxidative damage, and antioxidant responses. To this end, Anabaena and Nostoc were exposed to 400 µg/L, and 800 µg/L of Tl(I) over seven days. Anabaena showed superior Tl(I) accumulation with 7.8% removal at 400 µg/L and 9.5% at 800 µg/L, while Nostoc removed 2.2% and 7.4%, respectively. Tl(I) exposure significantly reduced the photosynthesis rate and function, more than in Nostoc. It also altered primary metabolism, increasing sugar levels and led to higher amino and fatty acids levels. While Tl(I) induced cellular damage in both species, Anabaena was less affected. Both species enhanced their antioxidant defense systems, with Anabaena showing a 175.6% increase in SOD levels under a high Tl(I) dose. This suggests that Anabaena's robust biosorption and antioxidant systems could be effective for Tl(I) removal. The study improves our understanding of Tl(I) toxicity, tolerance, and phycoremediation in cyanobacteria, aiding future bioremediation strategies.

This study presents novel insights into thallium (Tl) phycoremediation using Anabaena laxa and Nostoc muscorum, crucial for addressing the increasing contamination concerns stemming from high-tech industries. Elucidating the tolerance mechanisms and physiological responses of these cyanobacterial species to Tl(I) exposure. It highlights the potential of Anabaena laxa as an effective bio-remediator, offering a sustainable solution to mitigate Tl(I) environmental impact.

Unstandardized UV-C dose used for killing harmful cyanobacteria may instead initiate accelerated growth in the target organisms.

Although UV-C radiation has been in use for killing unwanted cyanobacteria, experiments with lower doses of UV-C radiation instead showed induction of growth related parameters and enhanced biomass production in the cyanobacterium Nostoc muscorum Meg1. When the cyanobacterial cultures were exposed to UV-C radiation of varying doses (6, 12 and 18 mJ/cm2), concentrations of various photo-absorbing pigments, RuBisCO and D1 protein of PSII; activities of oxygen evolving complex, nitrogenase and glutamine synthetase were significantly increased upon 6 and 12 mJ/cm2 UV-C radiation exposures. Resulting higher photosynthetic performance was evident from the augmentation in carbohydrate content by ∼49% under single exposure to 6 mJ/cm2 UV-C by fifteenth day. The increased performances of both RuBisCO and D1 proteins were in part also due to induction at the genetic level as seen from the increase in their mRNA and protein levels under treatment. Similar increase was also observed in protein (16%) and in lipid contents (43%) that reflected an upsurge in the total biomass. Highest biomass (463 mg/L/d) was noted in culture exposed to 6 mJ/cm2 UV-C radiation, representing a ∼25% increase. Furthermore the possibility of this organism using part of the incident UV-C radiation as an additional source of energy was deduced from an experiment where the thylakoid membranes excited within UV (226-400 nm) range showed emission at longer wavelengths with an emission maximum at ∼640 nm. Thus this work provides evidence that lower UV-C doses can potentially augment cyanobacterial growth and use of unstandardized UV-C doses for restricting cyanobacterial growth may in fact produce contrary result.

Multimodal MSI in Conjunction with Broad Coverage Spatially Resolved MS2 Increases Confidence in Both Molecular Identification and Localization.

One critical aspect of mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) is the need to confidently identify detected analytes. While orthogonal tandem MS (e.g., LC-MS2) experiments from sample extracts can assist in annotating ions, the spatial information about these molecules is lost. Accordingly, this could cause mislead conclusions, especially in cases where isobaric species exhibit different distributions within a sample. In this Technical Note, we employed a multimodal imaging approach, using matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI)-MSI and liquid extraction surface analysis (LESA)-MS2I, to confidently annotate and localize a broad range of metabolites involved in a tripartite symbiosis system of moss, cyanobacteria, and fungus. We found that the combination of these two imaging modalities generated very congruent ion images, providing the link between highly accurate structural information onfered by LESA and high spatial resolution attainable by MALDI. These results demonstrate how this combined methodology could be very useful in differentiating metabolite routes in complex systems.

Dose dependent variance in UV-C radiation induced effects on carbon and nitrogen metabolism in the cyanobacterium Nostoc muscorum Meg1.

With the intention of getting an insight into the differential effect of UV-C radiation on the N2-fixing heterocystous cyanobacterium Nostoc muscorum Meg1, various aspects of carbon and nitrogen metabolism was evaluated in the organism. Exposure to different doses of UV-C (6, 12, 18 and 24 mJ/cm2) showed that among various photo-absorbing pigments, phycobiliproteins were most sensitive. Oxygen evolving complex (OEC) activity measured as net oxygen evolution rate decreased by 63% upon 24 mJ/cm2 exposure. Western blot analysis established that D1 protein of PSII was highly sensitive and its levels decreased even at a radiation dose as low as 6 mJ/cm2. In contrast, levels of the Calvin cycle enzyme RuBisCO was increased at 6 and 12 mJ/cm2 doses but the level decreased drastically (84%) at higher dose (24 mJ/cm2). The nitrogenase enzyme activity decreased at all doses but the ammonia assimilating enzyme glutamine synthetase (GS) activity recorded increase at the lower doses. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation increased upon UV-C exposure. Transmission electron microscopic observation revealed damage to ultrastructure especially the thylakoid membrane organization, aggregation of dissolving phycobilisomes and loss of caboxysomes. Interestingly, sub-lethal radiation (6 and 12 mJ/cm2) dose exposures increased the growth rate in the organism when growth was measured over a period of 11 days after radiation exposure.

Comparative studies on growth and Pb(II) removal from aqueous solution by Nostoc muscorum and Anabaena variabilis.

Industrial wastewater containing heavy metals is a major environmental problem that needs to be treated. This study reported the ability of two fresh water algae cyanobacteria (Nostoc muscorum and Anabaena variabilis) to remove lead from aqueous solutions of four different initial concentrations (0-50 mg/L-1) for 21 days under controlled laboratory conditions. Results obtained in this study showed a maximum removal of Pb(II) (97.8%) by N. muscorum at 15 mg/L-1 initial metal concentration however the maximum removal by A. variabilis at the same concentration was 71.4% after 16 day of incubation. These N. muscorum appeared to be more efficient than A. variabilis for removing Pb(II). Algal growth, pigments in the algae cells were measured during incubation period. Lower concentrations of lead increased biomass, OD, chlorophyll a and carotenoids in both algae. On the other hand, higher concentrations of lead were inhibitory for growth.

Toxicity assessment of arsenate and arsenite on growth, chlorophyll a fluorescence and antioxidant machinery in Nostoc muscorum.

The present study deals with impact of varied doses of arsenite (AsIII; 50, 100 and 150 µM) and arsenate (AsV; 50, 100 and 150 mM) on growth, photosynthetic pigments, photochemistry of photosystem II, oxidative biomarkers, (O2•¯, H2O2 and MDA equivalents contents) and activity of antioxidant enzymes in diazotrophic cyanobacterium Nostoc muscorum after 48 and 96 h of the treatments. The reduction in growth, pigment contents (Chl a, Phy and Car) and PS II photochemistry was found to increase with enhanced accumulation of test metal in cells, and the damaging effect on photosynthetic pigments showed the order (Phy > chl a> Car). The negative effect on PS II photochemistry was due to significant decrease in the value of JIP kinetics ϕP0, FV/F0, ϕE0,Ψ0 and PIABS except F0/FV and significant rise in values of energy flux parameters such as ABS/RC, TR0/RC, ET0/RC and DI0/RC. Both the species of arsenic caused significant rise in oxidative biomarkers as evident by in vitro and in vivo analysis of (O2•¯, H2O2 and MDA equivalents contents) despite of appreciable rise in the activity antioxidative enzymes such as SOD, POD, CAT and GST. The study concludes that in among both forms of arsenic, arsenite effect was more dominant on growth, photosynthetic pigments; oxidative stress biomarkers as evident by weak induction of anti-oxidative defense system to overcome the stress as compared to arsenate.

Kinetin alleviates chromium toxicity on growth and PS II photochemistry in Nostoc muscorum by regulating antioxidant system.

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the metal toxicity alleviating effects of kinetin (KN, 10 nM) on growth, photosynthetic pigments and photochemistry of PS II in the cyanobacterium Nostoc muscorum exposed to chromium (CrVI) stress (100 and 150 µM). Chromium declined growth, photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a, phycocyanin and carotenoids), photosynthetic oxygen evolution rate and parameters of fluorescence kinetics (ϕP0, FV/F0, ϕE0, Ψ0 and PIABS except F0/FV) in concentration dependent manner, while stimulating effects on respiration, energy flux parameters (ABS/RC, TR0/RC, ET0/RC and DI0/RC), oxidative stress biomarkers i.e., superoxide radical (SOR), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and lipid peroxidation (TBARS contents) and antioxidative enzymes: superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST), were observed. However, upon addition of KN in the growth medium an alleviating effect against chromium induced toxicity on growth, photosynthetic pigments and photochemistry of PS II was recorded. This had occurred due to substantial reduction in levels of oxidative stress biomarkers: SOR, H2O2 and TBARS contents with concomitant rise in activity of antioxidative enzymes: SOD, POD, CAT and GST and appreciable lowering in the cellular accumulation of chromium. The overall results demonstrate that KN application significantly alleviated chromium induced toxicity on growth performance of the cyanobacterium N. muscorum due to significant improvement in photosynthetic pigments and photochemistry of PS II by up-regulating the activity of antioxidative enzymes, and declining cellular accumulation of chromium. Furthermore, Cr induced toxicity at lower dose (100 µM) was found to be ameliorated more efficiently in N. muscorum following supplementation of KN.

Pretilachlor toxicity is decided by discrete photo-acclimatizing conditions: Physiological and biochemical evidence from Anabaena sp. and Nostoc muscorum.

The current study was undertaken to elucidate the impact of the herbicide pretilachlor (3 µg ml-1 and 6 µg ml-1) on cyanobacteria, Nostoc muscorum ATCC 27893 and Anabaena sp. PCC 7120 under three levels of photoacclimatization (suboptimum, 25 µmol photon m-2 s-1; optimum, 75 µmol photon m-2 s-1; and supra-optimum, 225 µmol photon m-2 s-1) by analyzing certain physiological (biomass accumulation, photosynthesis, Chl a fluorescence and respiration) and biochemical parameters (photosynthetic pigments‒ chlorophyll a, carotenoids and phycocyanin; reactive oxygen species‒ O2•¯, H2O2, lipid peroxidation; antioxidant system‒ superoxide dismutase, peroxidise, catalase and glutathione-S-transferase). The light conditioning played the most prominent role in deciding the extent of herbicide toxicity on both the tested cyanobacteria as the maximum toxicity was observed in suboptimum light acclimatized cyanobacterial cells corroborated by the least growth in the same cells. The impact of pretilachlor treatment on photosystem II photochemistry viz. φP0, Ñ°0, φE0, PIABS, ABS/RC, TR0/RC, ET0/RC and DI0/RC was also altered by light acclimatization. The percent rise in oxidative stress markers (SOR and H2O2) and consequent lipid peroxidation (MDA equivalents) were also highest in suboptimum light acclimatized cells exposed to pretilachlor which could not be prospered with compatible antioxidant performance. Conversely, supra-optimum light acclimatized cells of both the cyanobacteria was found to accelerate the activities of all the studied enzymes and thus able to counterbalance the pretilachlor toxicity and supported the healthier growth.

Zn2+ sequestration by Nostoc muscorum: study of thermodynamics, equilibrium isotherms, and biosorption parameters for the metal.

Microbial biosorption has evolved as an effective strategy for heavy metal removal from contaminated waters. The common cyanobacterium Nostoc muscorum isolated from the banks of a polluted river in Meghalaya, India, was tested for its potential to remove Zn2+ from aqueous solutions. Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) study verified Zn binding on the cyanobacterial biomass, and FTIR analysis revealed many negatively charged functional groups (hydroxyl, carbonyl, alcohol, amine, phosphoryl, sulfhydryl, and carboxyl) on the cell surface that aided in metal binding. Thermodynamic studies established the biosorption process to be energetically favorable with negative free energy change (-10.404, -10.599, and -10.796 kJ/mol at 298, 303, and 308 K, respectively). Sorption isotherm data fitted best in the Langmuir isotherm indicating monolayer nature of Zn sorption. The organism showed hyper-accumulation tendency towards Zn with a maximum sorption capacity as high as 2500 mg of Zn taken up per gram of biomass. The separation factor R L calculated from Langmuir isotherm ranged between 0 and 1 signifying favorable interaction between the cyanobacterial biomass and the Zn ions. Various experimental parameters, viz. pH, temperature, inoculum age and size, and shaking rate, influenced Zn biosorption. Optimized experimental conditions significantly enhanced the sorption percentage. Sorption was primarily a fast surface phenomenon in the beginning with internalization of zinc ions by the live cells on prolonged exposure.

Zn(II) and Cu(II) removal by Nostoc muscorum: a cyanobacterium isolated from a coal mining pit in Chiehruphi, Meghalaya, India.

Nostoc muscorum was isolated from a coal mining pit in Chiehruphi, Meghalaya, India, and its potential to remove Zn(II) and Cu(II) from media and the various biochemical alterations it undergoes during metal stress were studied. Metal uptake measured as a function of the ions removed by N. muscorum from media supplemented independently with 20 µmol/L ZnSO4 and CuSO4 established the ability of this cyanobacterium to remove 66% of Zn(2+) and 71% of Cu(2+) within 24 h of contact time. Metal binding on the cell surface was found to be the primary mode of uptake, followed by internalization. Within 7 days of contact, Zn(2+) and Cu(2+) mediated dissimilar effects on the organism. For instance, although chlorophyll a synthesis was increased by 12% in Zn(2+)-treated cells, it was reduced by 26% in Cu(2+)-treated cells. Total protein content remained unaltered in Zn(2+)-supplemented medium; however, a 15% reduction was noticed upon Cu(2+) exposure. Copper enhanced both photosynthesis and respiration by 15% and 19%, respectively; in contrast, photosynthesis was unchanged and respiration dropped by 11% upon Zn(2+) treatment. Inoculum age also influenced metal removal ability. Experiments in the presence of 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea (a photosynthetic inhibitor), carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenyl hydrazone (an uncoupler), and exogenous ATP established that metal uptake was energy dependent, and photosynthesis contributed significantly towards the energy pool required to mediate metal removals.

Role of free living, immobilized and non-viable biomass of Nostoc muscorum in removal of heavy metals: an impact of physiological state of biosorbent.

Biosorption of Pb and Cd by using free living, immobilized living and non-viable forms of Nostocmuscorum was studied as a function of pH (3-8), contact time (5-240 min) and metal concentration (10-100 µg ml-1), to find out the most efficient physiological formfor metal removal. Results revealed that optimum conditions for biosorption of both the metals by different states of biosorbentwere almost same (contact time- 30 min, metal concentration- 100 µg ml-1 and pH- 5.1 and 6, for Pb and Cd, respectively) however, the immobilized biomass of N. muscorum was found to be more suitable for the development of an efficient biosorbent as evident from theqmax(1000 mg g-1protein) and Kf (0.08 mg g-1protein) values obtained from the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. A pseudo second order kinetics was found more suitable for describing the nature of biosorption of both the metals by all the three forms of N. muscorum. An analysis of correlation revealed that as the metal concentration increases, the removal of Pb and Cd by N. muscorum also increases significantly. The regression analysis showed that the rate of removal of Pb by free living and dead biomass was 1.89 and 1.58 times higher than the rate of removal of Cd by respective biomass. In contrast, the rate of removal of Cd by immobilized biomass was 1.46 times higher than that of Pb.

Low and high doses of UV-B differentially modulate chlorpyrifos-induced alterations in nitrogen metabolism of cyanobacteria.

The present study assessed the comparative responses on the specific growth rate, nitrogen metabolism and enzymes associated with nitrogen metabolism in two nitrogen fixing cyanobacteria-Nostoc muscorum and Phormidium foveolarum exposed to two UV-B doses (low; UV-BL: 0.5472kJm(-2) and high; UV-BH: 5.472kJm(-2)) and two doses of the insecticide chlorpyrifos (O,O-diethyl O-3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridyl phosphorothioate; low i.e. CPL, 1µgml(-1) and high i.e. CPH, 2µgml(-1)) singly and in combination. The specific growth rate, NO3(-) and NO2(-) uptake, nitrate assimilating enzymes - nitrate reductase and nitrite reductase and ammonium assimilating enzymes - glutamine synthetase and glutamate synthase were severely affected when treated either with CPH or/and UV-BH while glutamate dehydrogenase exhibited a stimulatory response. CPL also reduced all the measured parameters (except GDH activity) after 24h, however, a stimulatory effect was observed after 72h due to an increase in nitrogen metabolism (and other antioxidant) enzymes during this period. UV-BL did not cause significant alteration in the studied parameters while in combination with CP doses, it either alleviated the inhibitory effects or further enhanced the CPL induced activities of these enzymes (except GDH). Overall results indicate the resistant nature of P. foveolarum against the inhibitory doses of UV-B and chlorpyrifos in comparison to N. muscorum.

Insights into the growth and biochemical defense responses associated with fenitrothion toxicity and uptake by freshwater cyanobacteria.

The extensive use of fenitrothion (FNT) in agricultural practices induces its persistence in soil and waterways. Therefore, it is essential to implement effective management practices such as using cyanobacteria for FNT removal and accumulation, particularly under accidental contamination. To this end, we evaluated the responses of two freshwater cyanobacteria taxa, Nostoc muscorum and Anabaena laxa to mild (7.5 mg L-1) and high (15 mg L-1) levels of FNT over a period of 7 d. Compared to N. muscorum, A. laxa was more tolerant to FNT, exhibiting higher FNT uptake and removal efficiencies at mild (16.3%) and high (17.5%) levels. FNT induced a dose-dependent decrease in cell growth, Chl a, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase and ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase activities, which were more pronounced in N. muscorum. Moreover, FNT significantly increased oxidative damage markers i.e., increased lipid peroxidation (MDA), protein oxidation, H2O2 levels and NADPH oxidase enzyme activity, to more extent in N. muscorum. Compared to N. muscorum, A. laxa had high antioxidant capacity (FRAP), glutathione and increased activities of glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase, suggesting a robust antioxidant defense mechanism to mitigate FNT toxicity. However, N. muscorum devoted the induction of ascorbate content and the activity of catalase, peroxidase, monodehydroascorbate reductase, ascorbate peroxidase, and dehydroascorbate reductase enzymes. Although A. laxa had greater intracellular FNT, it experienced less FNT-induced oxidative stress, likely due to over production of antioxidants. Consequently, A. laxa is considered as a promising candidate for FNT phycoremediation. Our findings provide fundamental information on species-specific toxicity of FNT among cyanobacteria and the environmental risk of FNT toxicity in aquatic environments.

Carbon dioxide regulation of autotrophy and diazotrophy in the nitrogen-fixing cyanobacterium Nostoc muscorum.

To understand how carbon and nitrogen metabolism are regulated in diazotrophically and non-diazotrophically grown cultures of the cyanobacterium Nostoc muscorum, we investigated the role of bicarbonate (HCO3⁻) in regulating diazotrophy and autotrophy. Results showed that HCO3⁻ concentration up to 12 mol m⁻³ enhanced growth, specific growth rate, photosynthetic pigments, photosynthetic O2 evolution and nitrogenase activity under diazotrophic growth conditions. The co-existence of different nitrogen sources in the growth medium further accelerate the examined parameters in the order of NO3⁻

Biofabrication of Silver Nanoparticles Using Nostoc muscorum Lukesova 2/91: Optimization, Characterization, and Biological Applications.

Purpose: The biological synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) has become a new methodology for the eco-friendly production of NPs with high scalability and biocompatibility. Cyanobacteria are one of the most widespread microorganisms on Earth and have been proven to be successful biofactories for synthesizing NPs. It is challenging to discover new microalgae with the potential to synthesize NPs of small size with high stability. Methods: Nostoc muscorum Lukesova 2/91 was isolated, purified, and identified morphologically and genetically using microscopy and DNA sequencing. Volatile biomolecules in aqueous algal extracts were assessed using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). Results: Data showed that the main biomolecules were fatty acids and their esters, followed by secondary metabolites. Algal extract was used to convert silver nitrate (AgNO3) into silver NPs under various optimized parameters. 1 mM of AgNO3, 1:1 (V/V ratio of algal extract to AgNO3), 25 °C, under light illumination, for 24 h, at pH 7.4 were the optimum conditions for NP production (Nos@AgNPs). Nos@AgNPs were characterized using UV-VIS spectroscopy, FTIR, TEM, SEM, EDx, mapping, and a Zetasizer. The wavelength of Nos@AgNPs was 401.4 nm and their shapes were cubic to oval, with an average diameter of 11.8 ± 0.5 nm. FTIR spectroscopy revealed that proteins/polysaccharides could be the main reductants, whereas these molecules and/or fatty acids could be stabilizers for NP synthesis. Nos@AgNPs (86.15%) was silver and had a hydrodynamic diameter of 10.7 nm with a potential charge of -19.7 mV. Antiproliferative and antimicrobial activities of Nos@AgNPs were evaluated. Nos@AgNPs exhibited significant inhibitory activity against lung, colon, and breast cancer cells and considerable biocidal activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Conclusion: N. muscorum Lukesova 2/91 is an excellent source for the biofabrication of small and stable AgNPs with potent inhibitory effects against cancer and bacterial cells.

UV-B induced differential effect on growth and nitrogen metabolism in two cyanobacteria under copper toxicity.

In the present study, impact of low (UV-B(L): 0.1 µmol m(-2) s(-1)) and high (UV-BH: 1.0 µmol m(-2) s(-1)) fluence rates of ultraviolet-B on growth and nitrogen metabolism in two cyanobacteria: Phormidium foveolarum and Nostoc muscorum under copper toxicity (2 and 5 µM) was investigated after 24 and 72 h of experiments. Copper and UV-BH treatment suppressed growth but more in N. muscorum which was accompanied by significant accumulation of Cu. Nitrate and nitrite uptake rates and activities of nitrogen assimilating enzymes i.e. nitrate reductase (NR), nitrite reductase (NiR), glutamine synthetase (GS) and glutamate synthase (GOGAT) except glutamate dehydrogenase activity (GDH; aminating) were decreased following treatments of Cu and UV-BH, and under combined treatments the effect was greater. On contrary, UV-BL declined Cu toxicity significantly. The study concludes that Cu and UV-BH suppressed the activity of NR, NiR, GS and GOGAT (except GDH) hence decreased growth. However, UV-BL showed cross tolerance in test organisms against Cu toxicity up to certain extent. Phormidium foveolarum is comparatively less sensitive against UV-BH and excess Cu, a situation likely exists in nature, hence it may be used as a biofertilizer for sustainable agriculture.

A biochemical, physiological and molecular evaluation of how the herbicide 2, 4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid intercedes photosynthesis and diazotrophy in the cyanobacterium Nostoc muscorum Meg 1.

Among the non-target microorganisms residing in crop fields that are potentially vulnerable to herbicides are cyanobacteria. They contribute to the maintenance of soil quality and fertility and hence are considered to be an important component of soil microflora. Consequently, the present study was aimed to check the influence of the herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) on some major parameters of carbon (CO2) and nitrogen (N2) fixations of a cyanobacterium Nostoc muscorum Meg 1 isolated from a rice field in Cherrapunji, Meghalaya, India. These include various photosynthetic pigments, the oxygen-evolving complex activity of the PSII, the protein contents of RuBisCO, D1 protein, isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH), nitrogenase and glutamine synthetase (GS) enzymes, the heterocyst percentage, nitrogenase and GS enzyme activities, and production of total proteins and carbohydrates in the cyanobacterium in a varying range of 50 to 125 ppm doses of 2,4-D. The mRNA levels of several proteins were also analyzed. Besides carotenoid concentration that enhanced at 50 ppm, all other parameters were compromised by 2,4-D in a dose-dependent manner resulting in a reduction in photosynthetic and N2-fixing activities. The negative effect on N2-fixation was partly due to compromised IDH activity. RT-PCR analysis further showed that these negative effects were initiated at transcription levels as mRNA contents of all enzymes studied were found compromised under 2,4-D exposure. The scanning and transmission electron microscopy further revealed herbicide induced adverse changes in the morphology and ultrastructure of the organism. The significance of the work lies in its detailed analysis of the effect of 2,4-D at biochemical, physiological, and molecular levels.

Differential physiological and biochemical responses of two cyanobacteria Nostoc muscorum and Phormidium foveolarum against oxyfluorfen and UV-B radiation.

In the present study, degree of tolerance and tolerance strategies of two paddy field cyanobacteria viz. Nostoc muscorum and Phormidium foveolarum against oxyfluorfen (10 and 20 µg ml(-1)) and UV-B (7.2 kJ m(-2)d(-1)) stress were investigated. Oxyfluorfen and UV-B decreased growth, photosynthesis, nutrient uptake, nitrate reductase, acid and alkaline phosphatase activities, which accompanied with the increase in the level of oxidative stress. However, growth was more affected in N. muscorum than P. foveolarum. Antioxidants exhibited differential responses against oxyfluorfen and UV-B stress. Ascorbate and proline levels were higher in P. foveolarum. A protein of 66 kDa was expressed in N. muscorum, however, it was absent in P. foveolarum than those of N. muscorum. Besides this, a protein of 29 kDa appeared in P. foveolarum under all the treatments, but it was present only in control cells of N. muscorum cells. Overall results indicated resistant nature of P. foveolarum against oxyfluorfen and UV-B stress in comparison to N. muscorum.