Micrometer-sized nylon 6 particles induce changes in metabolomic profiles of freshwater alga Raphidocelis subcapitata

Abstract

To determine the effects of nylon on freshwater microalgae, we investigated the effects of micrometer-sized nylon 6 (Ny6) on the microalga Raphidocelis subcapitata. Ny6 in the culture media adhered R. subcapitata cells electrostatically, which disrupted growth and photosynthesis. Metabolomic analysis revealed that many metabolites related to the amino acid catabolic pathway and γ-glutamyl cycle were induced in in algae, which might reflect responses to avoid starvation and oxidative stress. Our study provides important information on the effects of Ny6 on algae in freshwater environments.