Microalgae Prototheca spp.—chlorophyll-lacking microorganisms with opportunistic pathogenicity—remain poorly studied. They cause infections in humans and animals that are difficult to diagnose and have limited treatment options. In dairy farms, including those in Lithuania, Prototheca spp. causes chronic mastitis, leading to decreased milk production and economic losses due to milk discard, treatment costs, and cow culling. The resistance of these microorganisms to many antimicrobial agents encourages the search for alternative control strategies. The aim of this project is to investigate the synergistic effect of metal nanoparticles deposited using low-temperature plasma technologies and low-frequency ultrasound on Prototheca spp., and to determine antimicrobial mechanisms. Prototheca spp. species will be identified by sequencing using Prototheca-ID software. During the project, smart surfaces will be developed using plasma deposition of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles (e.g., ZnO, CaO, CuO). This technology allows formation of stable nanostructured coatings without altering surface properties. Prototheca spp. cultures will be studied in an antimicrobial environment (e.g., amphotericin B) in Petri dishes with nanoparticle-coated surfaces and exposed to different regimes of low-frequency ultrasound to evaluate cell membrane damage, growth inhibition, and antimicrobial effects. Low-frequency ultrasound will act as a mechanical factor inducing microvibrations, hydrodynamic forces, and possible cavitation in liquid media, potentially affecting the Prototheca spp. cell wall structure. The combined physical and nanotechnological effects will be analyzed to evaluate whether ultrasound enhances nanoparticle activity and increases microalgal sensitivity to external factors. A synergistic effect is expected: low-frequency ultrasound will increase penetration of antimicrobial agents and nanoparticles into cells, nanoparticles will induce oxidative stress, and antimicrobial agents will promote cell death. This will allow investigation of resistance mechanisms and development of new antimicrobial strategies. Project results will help determine optimal ultrasound parameters for Prototheca spp. and evaluate the potential of combined physical and nanostructural approaches in medicine and veterinary practice.
Project funding:
KTU fund for internal investment
Period of project implementation: 2026-04-01 - 2026-12-31
Project partners: Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Lithuanian Energy Institute
