Minimizing the unintended consequences of nanomaterial entry into natural environments is of growing interest as the production and commercial use of these novel materials grow. Environmental risk is often evaluated on a case-by-case basis using model biological systems and simple toxicological endpoints. While valid and useful, this approach has limited capability to predict risk. In contrast, our approach is to study more generally the nanomaterial-biological interface, with a focus on the cell membrane. Here we use the single celled bacterium Shewanella oneidensis as a model biological system, chosen to minimize biological complexity while maximizing environmental relevance. Specific hypotheses generated through observation of the bacterium-nanoparticle interface are further evaluated in mirrored experiments on supported lipid bilayers. This dual approach results in complimentary data sets that describe the response of a living or model organism to nanomaterial exposure under identical conditions, providing both realistic and fundamental insight into the nanomaterial-biological interface. This approach is used to identify basic rules that can predict risk and inform the design of more environmentally-friendly nanomaterials.

Engineered nanoparticle interaction with living and model bacterial cell membranes

248th National Meeting (2014)

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