Enhanced triacyclglycerols and starch synthesis in Chlamydomonas stimulated by the engineered biodegradable nanoparticles

Microalgae are promising feedstock for renewable fuels. The accumulation of oils in microalgae can be enhanced by nanoparticle exposure. However, the nanoparticles employed in previous studies are mostly non-biodegradable, which hinders nanoparticles developing as promising approach for biofuel production. We recently reported the engineered resin nanoparticles (iBCA-NPs), which were found to be biodegradable in this study. When the cells of green microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii were exposed to the iBCA-NPs for 1 h, the cellular triacyclglycerols (TAG) and starch contents increased by 520% and 60% than that in the control. The TAG production improved by 1.8-fold compared to the control without compromised starch production. Additionally, the content of total fatty acids increased by 1.3-fold than that in control. Furthermore, we found that the iBCA-NPs addition resulted in increased cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) content and upregulated the activities of antioxidant enzymes. The relative expressions of the key genes involved in TAG and starch biosynthesis were also upregulated. Overall, our results showed that short exposure of the iBCA-NPs dramatically enhances TAG and starch accumulation in Chlamydomonas, which probably resulted from prompt upregulated expression of the key genes in lipid and starch metabolic pathways that were triggered by over-accumulated ROS. This study reported a useful approach to enhance energy-rich reserve accumulation in microalgae.

Automated summary

Microalgae are a promising feedstock for renewable fuels and their oil accumulation can be enhanced by exposure to nanoparticles. However, previous studies have used mostly non-biodegradable nanoparticles, limiting their application in biofuel production. This study reports the use of biodegradable engineered resin nanoparticles (iBCA-NPs) to enhance TAG and starch accumulation in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Short exposure to iBCA-NPs increased cellular TAG and starch contents significantly, with improved TAG production and increased fatty acid content. The addition of iBCA-NPs also increased cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) content and upregulated the activities of antioxidant enzymes. The study demonstrates a useful approach to enhance energy-rich reserve accumulation in microalgae.