Cellular uptake and mutagenic potential of metal oxide nanoparticles in bacterial cells

Extensive production and consumption of nanomaterials such as ZnO and TiO2 has increased their release and disposal into the environment. The accumulation of nanoparticles (NPs) in ecosystem is likely to pose threat to non-specific targets such as bacteria. The present study explored the effect of ZnO and TiO2 NPs in a model bacterium, Salmonella typhimurium. The uptake of ZnO and TiO2 bare NPs in nano range without agglomeration was observed in S. typhimurium. TEM analysis demonstrated the internalization and uniform distribution of NPs inside the cells. Flow cytometry data also demonstrates that both ZnO and TiO2 NPs were significantly internalized in the S. typhimurium cells in a concentration dependent manner. A significant increase in uptake was observed in the S. typhimurium treated even with 8 and 80 ng mL−1 of ZnO and TiO2 NPs with S9 after 60 min, possibly the formation of micelles or protein coat facilitated entry of NPs. These NPs exhibited weak mutagenic potential in S. typhimurium strains TA98, TA1537 and Escherichia coli (WP2uvrA) of Ames test underscoring the possible carcinogenic potential similar to certain mutagenic chemicals. Our study reiterates the need for re-evaluating environmental toxicity of ZnO and TiO2 NPs presumably considered safe in environment.

Research highlights
► Mutagenic potential of ZnO and TiO2 NPs was evaluated in S. typhimurium.
► Internalization of NPs was observed in the cells by TEM and flow cytometry.
► Mutagenicity observed at 0.008 μg/plate in TA98 and TA1537 strains of Salmonella.
► Our data suggest possible carcinogenic potential of ZnO and TiO2 NPs.