Cinnamaldehyde Induces PCD-Like Death of Microcystis aeruginosa via Reactive Oxygen Species

Abstract

In recent years, Microcystis bloom occurs frequently and causes a wide range of social, environmental, and economic problems. In this study, dose-dependent
inhibitory effect of cinnamaldehyde on the growth of Microcystis aeruginosa was investigated. It was found that cinnamaldehyde with the concentration more than 0.6mM showed algicide activity against
M. aeruginosa. When M. aeruginosa was exposed to 0.6mM cinnamaldehyde, considerable reactive oxygen species (ROS) were generated followed by lipid peroxidation
and decrease in the content of both chlorophyll a and soluble protein. Although superoxide dismutase had made response to
the stress caused by cinnamaldehyde, activity increasing after a time of lag could not prevent the lysis of M. aeruginosa cells. Interestingly, the addition of antioxidants glutathione and l-ascorbic acid (Vc) could prevent the lysis of M. aeruginosa cells. All the results suggested that cinnamaldehyde induced the death of M. aeruginosa cells via inducing ROS burst. Further understanding of the mechanism of cinnamaldehyde-induced M. aeruginosa cell death would contribute to the control of cyanobacteria pollution.

KeywordsCinnamaldehyde–
M. aeruginosa
–ROS–PCD