Interaction of Nanoparticles with Microbal Populations during Particle Transport
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Sheffield
Department Name: Kroto Research Institute
Abstract
The Royal Society and Royal Academy of Engineers report and the NRCG have identified the need for study into the introduction of anthropogenic nanoparticles into microbial communities and their environmental systems. Therefore it is essential to explore the methods and techniques available that could help to answer some of the research objectives put forward. We propose to evaluate a suite of techniques that could be used in future studies to broaden our knowledge about the impacts nanoparticles may have. The microbial strains tested will have differing cell wall structures (gram-positive versus gram negative) and originate from different environments such as the human gut, the soil and natural waterways. Nanoparticle coatings will be chosen for their hydrophobic and hydrophilic characteristics and the interaction between these coatings and the microbes will be observed using microspectroscopy and fluorophore labels. The influence of nanoparticle coatings on individual microbe cells and their division will be investigated using Raman spectroscopy techniques. Raman tweezers will be used to isolate individual cells to analyse specific changes after coming in contact with the nanoparticles. Labelling nanoparticles with fluorophores will enable their tracking as they are transported as well as their accumulation on cells or mineral surfaces within a porous medium bed. This bed will be composed of clean quartz which is a mineral present in many soil, sediment and groundwater environments. The anticipated results are 1) an evaluation of the techniques for the simultaneous in vitro/in vivo study of nanoparticle transport, uptake and affects on cell growth, 2) an initial assessment of the relative effect of hydrophobic and hydrophilic nanoparticles on selected genetically diverse bacteria and 3) an assessment of the scope for experimental upscaling to the bench-scale packed beds with lengths (30cm) of the same order as a soil column. The experimental design is to combine the investigators' experience on particle transport and biofilm formation in porous granular media, the functionalisation of manufactured nanoparticles to achieve selected surface chemical properties and application of Confocal Raman Microspectroscopy. The overall aim of the project is to provide a platform for work on aspects of nanoparticles surface modification and their interaction with microbes and the natural environment. There is a strong team available to realise these aspirations with strong individual expertise across a number of different disciplines ranging from the use of microspectroscopy, nanoparticle production and the toxicity of pollutants to microbial communities. The wider support infrastructure is also very relevant to the project with help from the Oxford and Appleton laboratory teams as well as the Sheffield cell-mineral programme. This proof-of-concept project has the potential to influence many different areas of research connected to nanoparticles and their effects on natural systems, and will help to provide a solid platform for further research across this area.
Publications
Zhang D
(2011)
Functionalization of whole-cell bacterial reporters with magnetic nanoparticle.
in Microbial biotechnology
Teng L
(2016)
Label-free, rapid and quantitative phenotyping of stress response in E. coli via ramanome.
in Scientific reports
Song Y
(2009)
Optimization of bacterial whole cell bioreporters for toxicity assay of environmental samples.
in Environmental science & technology
Singer AC
(2011)
Assessing the ecotoxicologic hazards of a pandemic influenza medical response.
in Environmental health perspectives
Cui L
(2016)
Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy for Identification of Heavy Metal Arsenic(V)-Mediated Enhancing Effect on Antibiotic Resistance.
in Analytical chemistry
Chao HJ
(2016)
HipH Catalyzes the Hydroxylation of 4-Hydroxyisophthalate to Protocatechuate in 2,4-Xylenol Catabolism by Pseudomonas putida NCIMB 9866.
in Applied and environmental microbiology
Description | 1. This research has established a general genotoxicity detection method for assessing nanoparticles and environmental contaminants. 2. This research found that single wall nanocarbon tubes SWNCT, nano Au colloids, 20 nm are not genetoxin as we thought. They will not damage DNA. |
Exploitation Route | This findings are now broadly adopted by national and international researchers in the UK, middle east and China. |
Sectors | Agriculture Food and Drink Chemicals Education Environment Healthcare Manufacturing including Industrial Biotechology |
Description | In summary 1) The findings have been applied to a broad environmental toxicity assessment including groundwater in the UK, drinking water in Africa, oil spill event in China 2010 and metal contaminated soils in China. 2) Chinese academic and government will consider to accept the findings and use them as a standard methodology for toxicity assessment. |
First Year Of Impact | 2009 |
Sector | Agriculture, Food and Drink,Chemicals,Communities and Social Services/Policy,Education,Environment |
Impact Types | Cultural Societal Economic |