Algicidal activity recovery by a Li-doped up-conversion material converting visible light into UV

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Materials Science
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Citrobacter sp. R1 is an efficient algicidal bacterium that degenerates after long-term preservation.
• Degeneration significantly reduces the bacterium's algicidal activity and metabolic functions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential of a lithium-doped up-conversion material ([Y2SiO5; Li (1%)]).
• To recover the degenerated Citrobacter sp. R1 strain and restore its algicidal efficacy.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of lithium-doped yttrium silicate ([Y2SiO5; Li (1%)]).
• Application of the up-conversion material to the degenerated bacterial strain.
• Assessment of algicidal activity and compound secretion before and after treatment.

Main Results:

• The [Y2SiO5; Li (1%)] material significantly enhanced the maximum algicidal activity of Strain R1 from 43.2 ± 1.2% to 72.5 ± 1.3%.
• The material induced reverse mutation in Strain R1 by converting visible light to UVC and UVA, aiding metabolic recovery.
• Secretion of 3-hydroxypropionic acid was enhanced, and the ability to secrete three new algicidal compounds was restored.

Conclusions:

• [Y2SiO5; Li (1%)] is effective in recovering degenerated Citrobacter sp. R1.
• Up-conversion materials offer a novel approach for microbial degeneration recovery and enhancing biotechnological applications.