Mineralization of Few-Layer Graphene Made It Bioavailable in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

3 Scopus Citations
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Author(s)

  • Kun Lu
  • Qingyuan Hu
  • Zhiyu Zhu
  • Yunsong Xu
  • Zhaohui Ding
  • Hang Zeng
  • Shipeng Dong
  • Shixiang Gao
  • Liang Mao

Detail(s)

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)15255–15265
Journal / PublicationEnvironmental Science and Technology
Volume57
Issue number40
Online published28 Sept 2023
Publication statusPublished - 10 Oct 2023

Abstract

Numerous studies have emphasized the toxicity of graphene-based nanomaterials to algae, however, the fundamental behavior and processes of graphene in biological hosts, including its transportation, metabolization, and bioavailability, are still not well understood. As photosynthetic organisms, algae are key contributors to carbon fixation and may play an important role in the fate of graphene. This study investigated the biological fate of 14C-labeled few-layer graphene (14C-FLG) in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (C. reinhardtii). The results showed that 14C-FLG was taken up by C. reinhardtii and then translocated into its chloroplast. Metabolomic analysis revealed that 14C-FLG altered the metabolic profiles (including sugar metabolism, fatty acid, and tricarboxylic acid cycle) of C. reinhardtii, which promoted the photosynthesis of C. reinhardtii and then enhanced their growth. More importantly, the internalized 14C-FLG was metabolized into 14CO2, which was then used to participate in the metabolic processes required for life. Approximately 61.63%, 25.31%, and 13.06% of the total radioactivity (from 14CO2) was detected in carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins of algae, respectively. Overall, these results reveal the role of algae in the fate of graphene and highlight the potential of available graphene in bringing biological effects to algae, which helps to better assess the environmental risks of graphene. © 2023 American Chemical Society.

Research Area(s)

  • bioavailability, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, few-layer graphene, metabolization, photosynthesis

Citation Format(s)

Mineralization of Few-Layer Graphene Made It Bioavailable in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. / Lu, Kun; Hu, Qingyuan; Zhai, Li et al.
In: Environmental Science and Technology, Vol. 57, No. 40, 10.10.2023, p. 15255–15265.

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review