Minicells as an Escherichia coli mechanism for the accumulation and disposal of fluorescent cadmium sulphide nanoparticles

Felipe Valenzuela-Ibaceta, Nicolás Torres-Olea, Javiera Ramos-Zúñiga, Claudio Dietz-Vargas, Claudio A. Navarro, José M. Pérez-Donoso

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background: Bacterial biosynthesis of fluorescent nanoparticles or quantum dots (QDs) has emerged as a unique mechanism for heavy metal tolerance. However, the physiological pathways governing the removal of QDs from bacterial cells remains elusive. This study investigates the role of minicells, previously identified as a means of eliminating damaged proteins and enhancing bacterial resistance to stress. Building on our prior work, which unveiled the formation of minicells during cadmium QDs biosynthesis in Escherichia coli, we hypothesize that minicells serve as a mechanism for the accumulation and detoxification of QDs in bacterial cells. Results: Intracellular biosynthesis of CdS QDs was performed in E. coli mutants ΔminC and ΔminCDE, known for their minicell-producing capabilities. Fluorescence microscopy analysis demonstrated that the generated minicells exhibited fluorescence emission, indicative of QD loading. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed the presence of nanoparticles in minicells, while energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) revealed the coexistence of cadmium and sulfur. Cadmium quantification through flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) demonstrated that minicells accumulated a higher cadmium content compared to rod cells. Moreover, fluorescence intensity analysis suggested that minicells accumulated a greater quantity of fluorescent nanoparticles, underscoring their efficacy in QD removal. Biosynthesis dynamics in minicell-producing strains indicated that biosynthesized QDs maintained high fluorescence intensity even during prolonged biosynthesis times, suggesting continuous QD clearance in minicells. Conclusions: These findings support a model wherein E. coli utilizes minicells for the accumulation and removal of nanoparticles, highlighting their physiological role in eliminating harmful elements and maintaining cellular fitness. Additionally, this biosynthesis system presents an opportunity for generating minicell-coated nanoparticles with enhanced biocompatibility for diverse applications. Graphical Abstract: (Figure presented.).

Original languageEnglish
Article number78
JournalJournal of Nanobiotechnology
Volume22
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2024

Keywords

  • Cadmium
  • Cell división
  • Escherichia coli
  • Minicells
  • Nanoparticles
  • Quantum dots
  • Tolerance mechanisms

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Bioengineering
  • Medicine (miscellaneous)
  • Molecular Medicine
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology
  • Pharmaceutical Science

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