In cyanobacteria, the interplay of ATP and lactate dynamics underpins cellular energetics; their pronounced shifts in response to zero-valent iron (nZVI) nanoparticles and ampicillin highlight the nuanced metabolic adaptations to environmental challenges. In this study, we investigated the impact of nZVIs and ampicillin on Fremyella diplosiphon cellular energetics as determined by adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content, intracellular and extracellular lactate levels, and their impact on cell morphology as visualized by transmission electron microscopy. While a significant increase in ATP concentration was observed in 0.8 mg/L ampicillin-treated cells compared to the untreated control, a significant decline was noted in cells treated with 3.2 mg/L nZVIs. ATP levels in the combination regimen of 0.8 mg/L ampicillin and 3.2 mg/L nZVIs were significantly elevated (p < 0.05) compared to the 3.2 mg/L nZVI treatment. Intracellular and extracellular lactate levels were significantly higher in 0.8 mg/L ampicillin, 3.2 mg/L nZVIs, and the combination regimen compared to the untreated control; however, extracellular lactate levels were the highest in cells treated with 3.2 mg/L nZVIs. Visualization of morphological changes indicated increased thylakoid membrane stacks and inter-thylakoidal distances in 3.2 mg/L nZVI-treated cells. Our findings demonstrate a complex interplay of nanoparticle and antibiotic-induced responses, highlighting the differential impact of these stressors on F. diplosiphon metabolism and cellular integrity.
Keywords: ATP; antibiotic; inter-thylakoid distance; lactate; nZVIs.