From Wastewater to Worth: Eco-Friendly Nanoparticle Synthesis Based on Microalgae Cultivated in Industrial Wastewater


Kayan I., Bahceci D., GÜLEÇ N., Dalgic B., Oz N.

CHEMISTRYSELECT, cilt.10, sa.48, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 10 Sayı: 48
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1002/slct.202504090
  • Dergi Adı: CHEMISTRYSELECT
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Chemical Abstracts Core
  • Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized in this study through the utilization of microalgae (MA). The bioactive compounds included in microalgae make them natural antibacterial and antifungal agents. However, cultivating microalgae typically necessitates specialized medium, hence elevating expenses. Consequently, to lower costs, this study utilized industrial wastewater, specifically cheese whey wastewater (CWW). Therefore, a form of wastewater recycling has been accomplished, and a sustainable production process has been implemented. Silver nanoparticles were synthesized using Nannochloropsis sp., a type of microalgae, by the green synthesis process. Silver nanoparticles (MA + AgNPs, CWW + MA + AgNPs) derived from microalgae cultivated in both pure and cheese whey media have been synthesized. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) examination and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) measurement have been conducted to observe the production of silver nanoparticles. Their biological actions have been compared. The results indicate that silver nanoparticles derived from microalgae exhibit significant antibacterial activity (inhibition zones up to 17 mm and minimum inhibition concentration [MIC] values down to 31.25 mu g/mL). The characteristics of silver nanoparticles derived from microalgae that influence antioxidant activity and DNA damage have been effectively demonstrated. This study reveals the biotechnological potential of microalgae and the environmental advantages of utilizing wastewater. These in vitro findings show that microalgae-derived nanoparticles display wide-spectrum antimicrobial activity even at very low concentrations and when this is considered in terms of sustainable production process, the mentioned nanoparticles may be promising materials that can be used in future medical and industrial application.