Protonated carbon nitride elicits microalgae for water decontamination

Comprehending the effects of synthetic nanomaterials on natural microorganisms is critical for the development of emerging nanotechnologies. Compared to artificial inactivation of microbes, the up-regulation of biological functions should be more attractive due to the possibility of discovering unexpected properties. Herein, a nanoengineering strategy was employed to tailor g-C3N4 for the metabolic regulation of algae. We found that surface protonated g-C3N4 (P-C3N4) as a nanopolymeric elicitor enabled the reinforced biological activity of Microcystis aeruginosa and Scenedesmus for harmful substances removal. Metabolomics analysis suggested that synthetic nanoarchitectures induced moderate oxidative stress of algae, with up-regulated biosynthesis of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) for resisting the physiological damage caused by toxic substances in water. The formation of oxidative .O2- contributed to over five-fold enhancement in the biodecomposition of harmful aniline. Our study demonstrates a synergistic biotic-abiotic platform with valuable outcomes for various customized applications.

Automated summary

This study demonstrates the use of nanoengineering to regulate g-C3N4 and enhance the biological activity of algae towards harmful substances. Metabolomics analysis shows that synthetic nanostructures induce moderate oxidative stress in algae, leading to an up-regulation of biosynthesis of extracellular polymeric substances for the defense against physiological damage caused by toxic substances in water.