The excessive use of antibiotics around the world is alarming. Both international and national health organizations are concerned about the lack of new antibiotics or derivatives to treat or prevent future infections. In this work it is proposed the use of rusty nanoparticles called Magnetites (Fe3O4) with a modified surface to reduce or control the growth of bacteria. Escherichia coli, a Gram (–), is a commonly found bacteria in our environment as well as in the human gastrointestinal system. With a variety of strains and an exponential growth rate; it is considered one of the most diverse bacteria. The preparation method for cultivating E. coli was within the culture media Tryptic Soy Broth. This allowed the use of the technique of UV-Visible Spectroscopy to measure growth rates. A medium with a concentration of 2.4g/L of magnetite nanoparticles was used to test the antibacterial effects on E. coli. The optical density was tested every 2 hours with a UV Spectrophotometer (600 nm). Results were compared to the optical density of the medium TSB, a medium of TSB containing magnetite nanoparticles and medium with TSB and E. coli. Preliminary results show a reduction in the growth of the E. coli exposed to the magnetic nanoparticles. With a diameter between 63 nm to 86nm, the magnetite nanoparticles may be facilitating possible interactions between the surface of the modified-magnetite and the bacteria. The effect of this nanoparticles on the growth of E.coli showed a possibility of a new form of bacterial control. This may be used to create an antiseptic enviroment in operation rooms, or even a possible modified antibiotic to combat bacteria, reducing the negative side effects by improving its efficiency.

Magnetite nanoparticles effect on Escherichia coli growth

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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