Dispersion of TiO₂ nanoparticle agglomerates by Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

ABSTRACT: Engineered nanoparticles are increasingly incorporated into consumer products and are emerging as potential environmental contaminants. Upon environmental release, nanoparticles could inhibit bacterial processes, as evidenced by laboratory studies. Less is known regarding bacterial alteration of nanoparticles, including whether bacteria affect physical agglomeration states controlling nanoparticle settling and bioavailability. Here, the effects of an environmental strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa on TiO₂ nanoparticle agglomerates formed in aqueous media are described. Environmental scanning electron microscopy and cryogenic scanning electron microscopy visually demonstrated bacterial dispersion of large agglomerates formed in cell culture medium and in marsh water. For experiments in cell

SUBMITTER: Horst AM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2976224 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature