Towards a better understanding of Pseudomonas putida biofilm formation in the presence of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs): Role of NP concentration

Abstract

Elucidating the effects of nanoparticles (NPs) on key bacterial functions not only deepens our understanding of nano-toxicity mechanisms, but also guides us in the design criteria for manufacturing safe nanomaterials. In this study, bacterial growth, biofilm development and the expression of biofilm-related genes were monitored in Pseudomonas putida KT2440, a plant-beneficial bacterium, following exposure to ZnO NPs. Low concentrations of NPs (0.5–30 mg L−1) significantly promoted bacterial growth and biofilm formation, while higher concentrations (>30 mg L−1) significantly inhibited biofilm formation. Confocal laser scanning microscopy revealed that microscope slides coated with 0.5 mg L−1 of ZnO NPs showed enhanced bacterial colonization and biomass production, but at higher concentrations (250 mg L−1), biomass production was about 11 times lower than that of the substrate without NPs. Increased protein and sugar contents of the biofilm matrix corroborated the stimulating effects of low concentrations of ZnO NPs. Physiological data were supported by changes in the expression of genes associated with oxidative stress and biofilm development. ZnO NPs at 0.5 mg L−1 stimulated the expression of quorum sensing, lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis, and antibiotic resistance genes; high concentrations of ZnO NPs (250 mg L−1) down-regulated biofilm formation-related genes and up-regulated antioxidant genes. Our results indicate that long-term release of low concentrations of ZnO NPs to the environment would promote undesired biofilm formation and increased resistance to antibiotics.