Potential of the Microalgae Micractinium simplicissimum IPPAS C-2056 for the “Green” Synthesis of Manganese, Iron, and Phosphorus Nanoparticles

Due to their valuable properties, nanoparticles are in demand in industry, medicine, and ecology. Traditional physical-chemical synthesis methods of nanoparticles are energy-consuming and/or are carried out with the participation of toxic substances that limit their further use, e.g., in medicine. In this regard, attention is drawn to the “green” synthesis of nanoparticles including with the participation of microalgae cells. The ability of cells of the green microalgae Micractinium simplicissimum IPPAS C-2056 to form ultra-small Fe (1–4 nm) and P (3–9 nm) nanoparticles, Mn (10–60 nm) nanoparticles as well as mixed (P–Fe, P‒Mn, Fe–Mn, Fe–P–Ca–Mg) nanoparticles, which vary in composition, localized in the intercellular matrix, on the surface, and in the cell wall is shown by transmission electron microscopy combined with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The obtained data evidence a high potential of M. simplicissimum IPPAS C2056 for the green synthesis of nanoparticles containing Mn, Fe, and P. The determinants of this ability and prospects for using microalgae to produce nanoparticles with valuable properties are discussed.