Superadhesion: Attachment of Nanobacteria to Tissues − Model Simulation

Abstract

Adhesion is common in the bacterial world and is partially mediated by slime. Nanobacteria (NB) seem to attach by slime as well as by the protecting nanocrystalline apatite shell, securing their survival in hostile milieus. Identification of NB in the human heart has brought the particles into the focus of material scientists. In view of the size distribution of the apatite nanovesicles (80−300 nm), simulation of their interaction with tissues can be performed via nanosuspensions and mirror-polished titanium substrates. Due to its wide biocompatibility, titanium is an ideal body tissue substitute. Here we show in a model simulation that the apatite nanovesicles are likely to perform also an anchoring function, specific to the mineral apatite. Anchoring may prevent solitary NB from elimination from the body, and enforce existing toxic potentials. The capacity of the apatite nanoparticles to bind to tissues in aqueous liquids, and the pronounced tendency of NB to form mineralized biofilms, indicate that NB could affect intracardiac fluid forces. Adhesion and protection represent a unique combination, which may stimulate the design of novel drug release systems based on apatite nanovesicles.