Experimental Evolution of Magnetite Nanoparticle Resistance in Escherichia coli

Both ionic and nanoparticle iron have been proposed as materials to control multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. However, the potential bacteria evolve resistance remains unexplored. To this end, experimental evolution was utilized produce five magnetite nanoparticle-resistant (FeNP1–5) populations of Escherichia coli. The were not exposed nanoparticles. 24-h growth these replicates evaluated in presence increasing concentrations NPs well other metals (gallium III, II, silver I) antibiotics (ampicillin, chloramphenicol, rifampicin, sulfanilamide, tetracycline). Scanning electron microscopy determine cell size shape response selection. Whole genome sequencing carried out if any genomic changes resulted from resistance. After 25 days selection, evident FeNP treatment. also showed a highly significantly (p < 0.0001) greater measured by optical density (Fe (II), Fe (III), Ga Ag, Cu II) FeNP-resistant length compared controls 0.001). Genomic analysis identified both polymorphisms hard selective sweeps RNA polymerase genes rpoA, rpoB, rpoC. Collectively, our results show that E. coli can rapidly nanoparticles result is correlated resistances antibiotics. There morphology resulting adaptation NPs. Thus, various applications could unanticipated metal