HR: 1340h
AN: B33C-1429    [Abstracts]
TI: Impact of ZnO and Ag Nanoparticles on Bacterial Growth and Viability
AU: * Olson, M S
EM: mso28@drexel.edu
AF: Drexel University, CAEE Dept - Curtis Hall 251 3141 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
AU: DiGiovanni, K A
EM: kad54@drexel.edu
AF: Drexel University, CAEE Dept - Curtis Hall 251 3141 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
AB: Hundreds of consumer products containing nanomaterials are currently available in the U.S., including computers, clothing, cosmetics, sports equipment, medical devices and product packaging. Metallic nanoparticles can be embedded in or coated on product surfaces to provide antimicrobial, deodorizing, and stain- resistant properties. Although these products have the potential to provide significant benefit to the user, the impact of these products on the environment remains largely unknown. The purpose of this project is to study the effect of metallic nanoparticles released to the environment on bacterial growth and viability. Inhibition of bacterial growth was tested by adding doses of suspended ZnO and Ag nanoparticles into luria broth prior to inoculation of Escherichia coli cells. ZnO particles (approximately 40 nm) were obtained commercially and Ag particles (12-14 nm) were fabricated by reduction of silver nitrate with sodium borohydride. Toxicity assays were performed to test the viability of E. coli cells exposed to both ZnO and Ag nanoparticles using the LIVE/DEAD BacLight bacterial viability kit (Invitrogen). Live cells stain green whereas cells with compromised membranes that are considered dead or dying stain red. Cells were first grown, stained, and exposed to varying doses of metallic nanoparticles, and then bacterial viability was measured hourly using fluorescence microscopy. Results indicate that both ZnO and Ag nanoparticles inhibit the growth of E. coli in liquid media. Preliminary results from toxicity assays confirm the toxic effect of ZnO and Ag nanoparticles on active cell cultures. Calculated death rates resulting from analyses of toxicity studies will be presented.
DE: 0463 Microbe/mineral interactions
DE: 0499 New fields (not classifiable under other headings)
DE: 1831 Groundwater quality
SC: Biogeosciences [B]
MN: 2007 Fall Meeting