Hydrogen Nanobubbles Protect Cells from Heavy Metal Toxicity
- Authors
- Han Bao, You Zhang, Shuang Lv, Shu Liu, Wenhong Fan
- Journal
- Environment International
- Year
- 2024
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.envint.2024.109126
- Study Type
- Algae
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- China
- Health Condition
- Heavy Metal Poisoning
- Body System
- Cellular
TL;DR
Tiny hydrogen-filled bubbles (nanobubbles) in water can help protect green algae from metal-induced stress by improving the algae's energy-producing parts (mitochondria).
Key Finding
Hydrogen nanobubbles enhanced the delivery of hydrogen into algae cells and significantly improved mitochondrial function under oxidative stress, with protection increasing as the number of nanobubbles increased.
Summary
Researchers created water containing tiny hydrogen bubbles (nanobubbles) and tested whether they could protect algae cells from damage caused by toxic heavy metals like copper and cadmium. They found that the hydrogen nanobubbles were better at delivering hydrogen into the cells and protecting them by reducing harmful molecules called reactive oxygen species. The nanobubbles also improved how well the cells' energy-producing structures (mitochondria) worked by boosting their activity and helping them transfer electrons more efficiently.
Practical Takeaway
This study was conducted in algae cells in a laboratory setting, not in humans, so it cannot directly tell us whether hydrogen nanobubbles would have similar effects in people. The findings suggest hydrogen nanobubbles may have potential for protecting cells from oxidative stress, but much more research—including human studies—would be needed before any health claims could be made.
Abstract
In biological systems, nanobubbles (NBs) effectively enhance hydrogen molecule retention and scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS), but the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. To investigate this, we prepared hydrogen NB water samples with consistent dissolved hydrogen levels but varying NB densities to explore their physicochemical properties and effects on green algae (Chlorella vulgaris) under oxidative stress induced by copper ions (Cu2+) and cadmium ions (Cd2+). The results indicated a strong correlation between the hydrogen NB number density and the 25 % inhibitory concentration of Cu2+ over 24 h, with ROS removal efficiency increased with the NB number density. Gas chromatography showed that the hydrogen NBs in the solution had a high gas density that enhanced hydrogen transport into C. vulgaris. With regard to mitochondrial activity, hydrogen NBs were observed to enhance the function of mitochondrial complexes I and V and increase the mitochondrial membrane potential. Experiments with C. vulgaris mitochondrial electrodes showed that the electron transfer rates increased significantly in the presence of hydrogen NBs. We concluded that the high gas density of hydrogen NBs augments intracellular hydrogen delivery and strengthens mitochondrial functions.