Catalytic Effect of Iron Nanoparticles on Heterocyst, Protein and Chlorophyll Content of Anabaena sp.

ABSTRACT

Iron nanoparticles were synthesized, characterized comprehensively, and were used as catalysts on heterocyst-forming cyanobacteria. A higher induction in heterocyst was observed in all nano iron treated cultures. A low percentage (0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 1, 3, 5, and 15%) of nano iron on heterocyst-forming Anabaena sp. led to an increase in total protein and chlorophyll content. A slight decrease in protein and chlorophyll content was observed at higher concentrations (25, 60, and 100%) of nano iron. An enhanced catalytic activity of nano iron was observed on heterocyst formation, protein, and chlorophyll content of Anabaena sp.

KEYWORDS:

• chlorophyll
• heterocyst
• nanometal
• protein