The widespread use of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) poses a potential risk of large scale environmental proliferation of ENPs, which can impact and endanger environmental health and safety. Recent studies have shown that microbial biofilms can serve as an important biotic component for partitioning and perhaps storage of ENPs released into aqueous systems. Considering that biofilms can be one of the major sinks for ENPs in the environment, and that the field of biofilms itself is only three-four decades old, there is a considerably young body of literature investigating the ENP-biofilm interactions. While looking at biofilms, it is imperative to consider the interactions of ENPs with the planktonic microbial cells inhabiting the bulk systems in the vicinity of surface-attached biofilms. In this study, the state of current knowledge regarding the interactions of ENPs with bacterial cells and biofilms is reviewed, identifying key governing factors and interaction mechanisms. The context of ENP-biofilm interactions can be multifarious, ranging from ecological systems, water and wastewater treatment, dental/medically relevant biofilms to devising novel strategies for biofilm control. Continued research in this area is imperative to not only enhance our scientific knowledge and arsenal for biofilm control, but to also support environmental health while reaping the benefits of the ‘nanomaterial revolution’.

Mechanistic insights for the interactions of engineered nanoparticles with bacterial cells and biofilms

254th National Meeting (2017)

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