The effects of magnesium oxide nanoparticles on population growth of Paramecium caudatum

Abstract

Physicochemical properties of materials have been changed at nanoscale. It is so considerable for scientists and researchers to investigate and analyze the properties of nanomaterials compared with conventional ones. On the other hand, protozoa have been considered as important model organisms for biological studies and research activities. In this regard, in addition to the ecological and environmental importance, the population growth rate of these microorganisms is significant for laboratory researches. In this research, about 48 hours after culture, Paramecia cells were observed, via the 4× light microscope objective lens, and counted by Sedgewick-Rafter counting chamber. Then, the effects of Ca2+, Mg2+ and magnesium oxide nanoparticle (MgO NP) on the population growth of Paramecium caudatum were analyzed. According to results, the highest population growth has been obtained in the case of yeast medium enrichment using Ca2+ +MgO NP compared with CaCl2 +MgCl2 (p < 0.01). These findings have demonstrated that enriched yeast medium with MgO NP and CaCl2 is one of the most appropriate specific media for culture and proliferation of P. caudatum leading to easy and frequent access to abundant Paramecia cells for laboratory research activities emphasizing the ecological and environmental importance of this sensitive microorganism.