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Inhibition of green algae growth by corrole-based photosensitizers

J Pohl1, I Saltsman, A Mahammed

  • 1Department of Physics, Humboldt - Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.

Journal of Applied Microbiology
|November 12, 2014
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Photodynamic inactivation effectively inhibits green algae growth. Cationic photosensitizers show significant phototoxicity and long-term growth inhibition, unlike anionic ones, offering a promising alternative to traditional biocides.

Area of Science:

  • Photochemistry
  • Algal Biology
  • Materials Science

Background:

  • Phototrophic biofilms contribute to biofouling and biodeterioration of constructions.
  • Photodynamic inactivation (PDI) offers a potential biocide alternative for controlling phototrophic organisms.
  • Green algae are key targets due to their role in biofouling.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the efficacy of photodynamic inactivation for inhibiting green algae growth.
  • To evaluate the role of singlet oxygen generation in PDI of algae.
  • To compare the performance of cationic and anionic photosensitizers in algae growth inhibition.

Main Methods:

  • Investigated two cationic and two anionic corroles for photoinhibitive effects on two green algae strains.
  • Utilized visible light for photoexcitation of photosensitizers.
  • Monitored algae biomass development over 18 days using absorptive properties.

Main Results:

  • Cationic photosensitizers demonstrated significant biomass reduction and long-term algae growth inhibition.
  • Anionic photosensitizers exhibited no substantial phototoxicity.
  • Visible light-induced PDI proved effective against green algae.

Conclusions:

  • Photodynamic inactivation is a viable method for controlling green algae growth.
  • Cationic photosensitizers are effective for algae PDI, while anionic ones are not suitable.
  • This study is a crucial step towards developing PDI-based antifouling solutions.
Keywords:
ROSbiofilmscorrolesphotodynamic inactivationphototoxicitysinglet oxygen

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