Enhanced Bacterial Growth by Polyelemental Glycerolate Particles

Author(s)

Phakatkar, Abhijit H. ; Goncalves, Josue M. ; Zhou, Jianshu ; Ritter, Timothy G. ; Saray, Mahmoud Tamadoni ; Sorokina, Lioudmila V. ; Amiri, Azadeh ; Angnes, Lucio ; Shokuhfar, Tolou ; Shahbazian-Yassar, Reza

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS; v. 6, n. 4, p. 10-pg., 2023-03-18.

Abstract

While polyelemental alloys are shown to be promising for healthcare applications, their effectiveness in promoting bacterial growth remains unexplored. In the present work, we evaluated the interaction of polyelemental glycerolate particles (PGPs) with Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria. PGPs were synthesized using the solvothermal route, and nanoscale random distribution of metal cations in the glycerol matrix of PGPs was confirmed. We observed 7-fold growth of E. coli bacteria upon 4 h of interaction with quinary glycerolate (NiZnMnMgSr-Gly) particles in comparison to control E. coli bacteria. Nanoscale microscopic studies on bacteria interactions with PGPs showed the release of metal cations in the bacterium cytoplasm from PGPs. The electron microscopy imaging and chemical mapping indicated bacterial biofilm formation on PGPs without causing significant cell membrane damage. The data showed that the presence of glycerol in PGPs is effective in controlling the release of metal cations, thus preventing bacterial toxicity. The presence of multiple metal cations is expected to provide synergistic effects of nutrients needed for bacterial growth. The present work provides key microscopic insights of mechanisms by which PGPs enhance biofilm growth. This study opens the door for future applications of PGPs in areas where bacterial growth is essential including healthcare, clean energy, and the food industry. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 18/16896-7 - Development of amperometric and impedimetric sensors based on double hydroxides of nickel and vanadium (alpha-NixV1-x(OH)2) and their nanocomposites with expandable graphite/graphene
• Grantee: Josué Martins Gonçalves
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 20/06176-7 - Studying the layered hydroxide electrode materials with in situ transmission electron microscopy
• Grantee: Josué Martins Gonçalves
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor
• FAPESP's process: 17/13137-5 - Formation and properties of hemiesters of carbonic acid in aqueous medium
• Grantee: Claudimir Lucio Do Lago
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants