Effect of metallic nanoparticles on functional and structural properties of the photosynthetic apparatus

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

The regulation of photosystem II structure and electron transport activity is strongly affected by environmental factors such as the presence of different pollutants which cause inhibitory effects. In this research program, we attempt to understand in which way structure and functions of photosnthetic apparatus are accommodated to cope with those environmental conditions. The high sensitivity of photosynthetic processes towards environmental stress can be used for the development of bioanalytical tools to evaluate the toxicological risk of contaminants in the environment. Due to the recent development of nanotechnology and the possibility of nanomaterials being found in the environment, an evaluation of the possible effects of different types of nanoparticles on photosynthetic organisms was initiated.Our hypothesis is that, under those conditions, the mechanism of energy dissipation will reflect the specificity of the inhibition mechanism induced by nanoparticles. Our research objective is to study the relationships between the effects of inhibitors, nanoparticles induced under strong light intensity and energy dissipation mechanisms. By using highly advanced spectroscopic studies and biochemical methods, experiments will be done in vitro and in vivo conditions. Results obtained will provide information which can explain how plants can survive and tolerate nanoparticles toxicity effects under different light conditions. These results will contribute to fundamental knowledge concerning the interaction between inhibitory effects of some nanoparticles and on photosynthetic electron transport the necessity and to evaluate the reliability of toxicity biomarkers to identify nanoparticles-induced effects.