Concentrações ambientais de cobre induzem ao acúmulo de biomoléculas em Ankistrodesmus fusiformis

Abstract

Microalgae are important photosynthetic organisms and have a fundamental role as the base of the food chain. Additionally, they are also one of the main ways that nutrients and other substances, such as heavy metals, enter higher trophic levels. Currently, interest in microalgae is increasing due to their biotechnological potential, producing valuable molecules in areas such as pharmacology, food, aquaculture, and agriculture. Owing to their physiological plasticity, microalgae are capable of synthesizing compounds that protect them against environmental changes. Recent studies have shown that low doses of copper can increase the productivity of biomolecules in some species of microalgae. This project aimed to determine the concentrations of copper capable of inducing the synthesis of biomolecules in the species Ankistrodesmus fusiformis. Using tools from ecotoxicology, we calculated EC10 - EC50 concentrations based on population density and cell viability, as well as analyzed growth rate, intracellular protein, lipid, total carbohydrate, carotenoid, and chlorophyll content, along with antioxidant potential (DPPH method). We observed a stimulating effect at intermediate copper concentrations, but in the treatment with the highest metal concentration, a toxic effect was observed. This study contributes to a better understanding of the effects of copper on the physiology of microalgae, while also providing potential strategies to increase the production of biomolecules, which is significant for the fields of biology and biotechnology.