Effects of TiO2, Cu, and CuO nanoparticles on biomass accumulation and biochemical composition in the microalga Porphyridium purpureum

Abstract

Metal and metal oxide nanoparticles can modulate microalgal metabolism. However, their effects strongly depend on chemical nature, applied concentration, and species specificity. Porphyridium purpureum is a red microalga of high biotechnological interest due to its rich content of phycobiliproteins, exopolysaccharides, and fatty acids. Aim of the study: To evaluate the effects of TiO₂, Cu, and CuO nanoparticles on biomass accumulation and the biochemical profile of Porphyridium purpureum.