Iron oxide nanoparticles induce Pseudomonas aeruginosa growth, induce biofilm formation, and inhibit antimicrobial peptide function

• DOI: 10.1039/c3en00029j
• Publication Date: 2014-02-11T09:33:41Z
• Authors: Jennifer Borcherding; Jonas Baltrusaitis; Haihan Chen; Larissa Stebounova; Chia-Ming Wu; Gayan Rubasinghege; Imali A. Mudunkotuwa; Juan Carlos Carab...; Joseph Zabner; Vicki H. Grassian; Alejandro P. Come...
• Keywords: Iron oxide nanoparticles

Given the increased use of iron-containing nanoparticles in a number applications, it is important to understand any effects that can have on environment and human health. Since iron concentrations are extremely low body fluids, there potential may influence ability bacteria scavenge for growth, affect virulence inhibit antimicrobial peptide (AMP) function. In this study, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA01) AMPs were exposed oxide nanoparticles, hematite (α-Fe2O3), different sizes ranging from 2 540 nm (2 ± 1, 43 6, 85 25 90 nm) diameter. Here we show greatest effect bacterial biofilm formation, AMP function impairment found when smallest particles. These results attributed large part enhanced dissolution observed particles an increase amount bioavailable iron. Furthermore, be additionally impaired by adsorption onto nanoparticle surfaces. particular, lysozyme readily adsorbs surface which lead loss activity. Thus, current study shows co-exposure known pathogens impact host innate immunity. Therefore, future studies designed further these types impacts.