Moderate levels of dissolved iron stimulate cellular growth and increase lipid storage in Symbiodinium sp.

Dinoflagellates in the family Symbiodiniaceae are fundamental in coral reef ecosystems and facilitate essential processes such as photosynthesis, nutrient cycling, and calcium carbonate production. Iron (Fe) is an essential element for the physiological processes of Symbiodiniaceae, yet its role remains poorly understood in the context of cellular development and metabolic health. Here, we investigated the effect of iron availability—0–100 nM Fe(III)—on Symbiodinium sp. ITS2 type A1 cultures and quantified cellular content using flow cytometry and holotomography. Moderate levels of dissolved Fe (50 nM) enhanced growth rates and cellular content development in Symbiodinium sp., including lipids and proteins. We observed distinct growth patterns, pigment concentrations, and cellular morphology under increasing Fe concentrations, indicating the influence of iron availability on cellular physiology. Nondestructive, label-free holotomographic microscopy enabled single-cell in vivo imaging, revealing higher intracellular lipid accumulation (+57%) in response to 50 nM Fe(III) enrichment. Our findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the relationship between iron availability and Symbiodinium sp. growth and cellular development, with potential implications for coral health and reef resilience in the face of environmental stressors.