The use of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) in consumer products ensures their environmental release, but potential risks ENPs pose to organisms in nature, including bacteria, are not well understood. Assays to study effects of toxicants on single bacterial properties exist. However, differences in assay conditions make comparison of quantitative results across assays difficult, so when performed separately cannot provide a �whole-picture� view of toxic effects. Here, we present a systematic approach for assessing effects of ENPs on bacterial membrane potential, electron transport, and membrane integrity in concert. Commercially available assays were selected for development and optimization. The process involves: 1) assay conversion to low-volume format for use in a 96-well plate, 2) minimization of variables across assays to allow simultaneous assessment and comparison of results, and 3) systematically testing for ENP interference. To demonstrate endpoints of the approach, effects of undoped and iron-doped nano-TiO2 on E. coli are shown.

Concerted approach for assessing multiple effects of engineered nanoparticles on bacterial membrane integrity and function

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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