Biogenic Magnetic Nanoparticles Research Articles

Effect of Magnetic Field and Magnetic Nanoparticles on Choice of Endothelial Cell Phenotype

Background. Endothelial cells as participants in angiogenesis choose their phenotype as tip cells (leading, migratory) or stalk cells (following). It has been experimentally found and theoretically modeled that rapid oscillations in intracellular calcium concentration play a key role in controlling phenotype selection and possible vessel architecture. In addition, the intracellular calcium concentration in endothelial cells is known to be regulated by mechanical wall shear stress induced by blood flow, which controls mechanosensitive calcium ion channel gating. Experimental methods of controlling mechanosensitive ion channel gating in external magnetic fields with application of magnetic nanoparticles are developed that affect magnetic nanoparticles artificially attached to cell membranes. Objective. A key question is raised about the possibility of controlled selection of endothelial cell phenotype in external magnetic fields due to the presence of artificial or biogenic magnetic nanoparticles embedded in the cell membrane. Methods. The magnetic wall shear stress is calculated due to the influence of the external magnetic field on the magnetic nanoparticles embedded in the cell membrane, which controls the mechanosensitive calcium ion pathways. Numerical modeling of oscillations in intracellular calcium concentration in endothelial cells and determination of their final phenotype was carried out taking into account intercellular communication. The python programming language and scipy, py-pde, matplotlib packages of the python programming language were used for numerical modeling. Results. The magnetic field flux density and frequency ranges of a uniform rotating magnetic field, as well as the magnitude of the gradient and the frequency of a non-uniform oscillating magnetic field were calculated for controlling the amplitude and frequency of intracellular calcium concentration oscillations in endothelial cells, as well as the selection of their phenotype. It opens the perspective of controlling angiogenesis and vessel architecture. Conclusions. Phenotype selection by endothelial cells can be controlled in a uniform rotating external magnetic field, as well as in a non-homogeneous oscillating magnetic field.

Adsorptive potential of dispersible chitosan-coated biogenic iron oxide nanocomposite for enhanced anti-bacterial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial pathogens

The use of various biomaterials, such as plants or microbes, to create nanoparticles (NPs), is seen as a viable strategy in green nanotechnology. The synthesis of low-cost, energy-efficient, nontoxic, ecologically acceptable metallic nanoparticles has recently become a critical topic. The biosynthesis of iron oxide NPs using pomegranate peel extract has been investigated. Biogenic iron oxide NPs were coated with highly porous chitosan as a supporting material to enhance applicability of NPs for wastewater remediation. Biogenic magnetic NPs and its composite were characterized by scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier Transformer Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Our study focused on the ability of biogenic magnetite Fe3O4 NPs and its bio-composite for removal of As+5 ions from wastewater. Adsorption isotherms were obtained using metal ion concentrations ranging from 5 to 25 mg/L. The Langmuir adsorption model was validated by our data. The reaction kinetics of the adsorption process were pseudo-second order. Interestingly, the bio-composite achieved 90% As+5 removal at pH4. In addition, the prepared nanocomposite was characterized using various analytical techniques to confirm its physicochemical properties. The adsorptive capacity of the nanocomposite was evaluated by studying the removal of pollutants and contaminants from aqueous solutions. Additionally, the antibacterial activity of the nanocomposite was assessed against a panel of clinically relevant Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains, including Staphylococcus epidermidis (RCMB 9241, ATCC 12228), Staphylococcus saprophyticus (RCMB 010028, ATCC 15305), Enterococcus faecalis (RCMB 010052), Streptococcus salivarius (ATCC 13415), Escherichia coli (RCMB 010052, ATCC 25922), Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (RCMB 006(1), ATCC 14028) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853). Our findings have important implications in the field of low-cost, easy, and environmentally friendly water bioremediation.

Purification, Characterization, and Assessment of Anticancer Activity of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Biosynthesized by Novel Thermophilic Bacillus tequilensis ASFS1‏.

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), particularly iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs), are a fascinating group of nanoparticles that have been considerably investigated for biomedical applications because of their superparamagnetic properties, biodegradable nature, and biocompatibility. A novel Gram-positive moderately thermophilic bacterial strain, namely Bacillus tequilensis ASFS.1, was isolated and identified. This strain is capable of producing superparamagnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles and exhibiting magnetotaxis behavior. This strain swimming behavior was investigated under static and dynamic environments, where it behaved very much similar to the magnetotaxis in magnetotactic bacteria. This study is the first report of a bacterium from the Bacillaceae family that has the potential to intracellular biosynthesis of IONPs. MNPs were separated by a magnetic and reproducible method which was designed for the first time for this study. In addition, UV-visible spectrophotometer, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, vibrating sample magnetometer, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction, and thermal gravimetric analysis were utilized to characterize the bio-fabricated magnetite nanoparticles. Analysis of the particle size distribution pattern of the biogenic MNPs by FESEM imaging revealed the size range of 10-100 nm with the size range of 10-40 nm MNPs being the most frequent particles. VSM analysis demonstrated that biogenic MNPs displayed superparamagnetic properties with a high saturation magnetization value of 184 emu/g. After 24 h treatment of 3T3, U87, A549, MCF-7, and HT-29 cell lines with the biogenic MNPs, IC50 values were measured to be 339, 641, 582, 149, and 184 μg mL-1, respectively. This study presents the novel strain ASFS.1 capable of magnetotaxis by the aid of its magnetite nanoparticles and paving information on isolation, characterization, and in vitro cytotoxicity of its MNPs. The MNPs showed promising potential for biomedical applications, obviously subject to additional studies.

A new green system of biogenic Ni/DFNS@Pd nanoparticles for the production of 2-oxo-2-phenylethylbenzoate and cyclic carbonates by using the oxidative carboxylation of alkenes

In this paper, we report highly atom-selective and efficacious oxidation of styrenes with carbon dioxide to cyclic carbonates in the appearance of Ni/[email protected] as a magnetic nanocatalyst (MNPs). For convenient detachment of the catalyst by an exterior magnetic domain, the dendritic fibrous nanosilica (DFNS) outer layer was covered with nickel to magnetize the DFNS. Then, the palladium nanoparticles on the outer layer of Ni/DFNS were diminished. In spite of the possibility of using these biological processes in the sustainable recapturing of vital metals (e.g. Pd), the catalytic function of biosynthesised MNPs has not yet been scrutinized. Here, instead of a chemical approach, microorganisms were utilized as catalysts for the generation of Pd nanoparticles in a biological procedure. These biogenic magnetic nanoparticles have been utilized for the first time as a reusable catalyst with an exterior magnet. The catalyst’s attributes were distinguished by a variety of methods, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) analyses. Biogenized Ni/[email protected] was generated as a heterogeneous catalyst to compete with a homogeneous structure. This robust metal catalyst with great accessibility level and reusability was generated by anaerobic bacteria. Examining different concentrations of the catalyst showed that the selectivity and efficiency of the reaction are significantly affected by the concentration of the catalyst. Heterogeneous reaction compounds did not cause any negative effects. The products were eliminated from the catalyst without any problems and the catalyst was employed many times without a conspicuous loss in selectivity and activity.

Effect of oscillating magnetic fields on freezing of a colloidal dispersion of superparamagnetic nanoparticles

Several studies suggest that single-domain biogenic magnetic nanoparticles could play a major role on the effectiveness of oscillating magnetic fields (OMFs) in improving food freezing. To evaluate the potential role of superparamagnetic biogenic particles, we performed freezing experiments in a colloidal dispersion of <10-nm maghemite nanoparticles (MNPs) subjected or not to a 31.3-mT OMF at 50 Hz. Our results show that, at our experimental conditions, Néel mechanism governs the alignment of magnetic dipole moments and, therefore, no significant MNPs rotation, able to disturb the ordering of water molecules, should be expected during OMF experiments. Accordingly, no effects of the applied OMF were observed either on supercooling, ice nucleation, or on freezing kinetics even though heat removal was slightly increased during the precooling step. These results suggest that weak OMFs usually applied in commercial freezers should not produce any significant effect on superparamagnetic nanoparticles present in food that could improve the freezing process.

Magnetic and structural properties of biogenic magnetic nanoparticles along their production process for use in magnetic hyperthermia

Iron-oxide nanoparticles synthesized by magnetotactic bacteria can be used in cancer treatment by means of magnetic hyperthermia. In order to study the structural properties of samples through the successive steps of their production from cultivated magnetotactic bacteria to coated magnetosomes, and their effect on magnetic properties, we performed a combination of (cryo-)Transmission Electron Microscopy observations and magnetic hysteresis as well as First-Order Reversal Curve diagrams at low temperature. The anisotropy of magnetic interactions was investigated by recording field-cooled FORC diagrams with a measuring field either parallel or perpendicular to the field-cooling direction. The results from the various techniques are in very good agreement. We found that magnetosomes in magnetotactic bacteria are arranged in chains and have magnetic properties typical of stable single-domain aligned particles. Extracted magnetosomes form clusters of interacting maghemite particles with some remaining chains, while purified magnetosomes are solely arranged in clusters. Finally, magnetosomes coated with 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DOPC) are still organized in clusters but with less magnetostatic interactions than in purified magnetosomes, while magnetosomes coated with citric acid tend to recover a chained structure forming loops. The main features observed on the FORC diagrams are consistent with the various arrangement observed. Lastly, hyperthermia properties were measured for the two coated samples and we found that magnetosomes coated with citric acid display a higher Specific Absorption Rate and therefore hold a better potential for biomedical applications.

BIOGENIC AND ANTHROPOGENIC MAGNETIC NANOPARTICLES IN THE PHLOEM SIEVE TUBES OF PLANTS

The samples of leaves and roots of Nicotiana tabacum, the stems and tubers of Solanum tuberosum and the stems of pea Pisum sativum were examined by scanning probe microscopy in atomic force and magnetic force modes after cultivation without and with addition of magnetite nanoparticles in soil. Chains of both biogenic and anthropogenic magnetic nanoparticles are detected in the wall of the phloem sieve tubes i.e., the vascular tissue of plants. Such a localization of biogenic magnetic nanoparticles supports the idea that the chains of magnetic nanoparticles in different organs of plants have common metabolic functions. Stray gradient magnetic fields about several thousand Oe, which are created by chains of both biogenic and anthropogenic magnetic nanoparticles, can significantly affect the metabolic processes through the influence on mass transfer of vesicles, granules, organelles and other components. In view of the results of this investigation, both BMNs and anthropogenic magnetite nanoparticles chains can significantly affect the processes of mass transfer of vesicles, organelles, structural elements of the membrane and others components because they create stray magnetic fields and gradient magnetic forces.

Interaction of magnetic fields with biogenic magnetic nanoparticles on cell membranes: Physiological consequences for organisms in health and disease

The interaction mechanisms between magnetic fields (MFs) and living systems, which remained hidden for more than a hundred years, continue to attract the attention of researchers from various disciplines: physics, biology, medicine, and life sciences. Revealing these mechanisms at the cellular level would allow to understand complex cell systems and could help to explain and predict cell responses to MFs, intervene in organisms’ reactions to MFs of different strengths, directions, and spatial distributions. We suggest several new physical mechanisms of the MF impacts on endothelial and cancer cells by the MF interaction with chains of biogenic and non-biogenic magnetic nanoparticles on cell membranes. The revealed mechanisms can play a hitherto unexpected role in creating physiological responses of organisms to externally applied MFs. We have also a set of theoretical models that can predict how cells will individually and collectively respond to a MF exposure. The physiological sequences of the MF – cell interactions for organisms in health and disease are discussed. The described effects and their underlying mechanisms are general and should take place in a large family of biological effects of MFs. The results are of great importance for further developing novel approaches in cell biology, cell therapy and medicine.

Gradient Magnetic Field Accelerates Division of E. coli Nissle 1917.

Cell-cycle progression is regulated by numerous intricate endogenous mechanisms, among which intracellular forces and protein motors are central players. Although it seems unlikely that it is possible to speed up this molecular machinery by applying tiny external forces to the cell, we show that magnetic forcing of magnetosensitive bacteria reduces the duration of the mitotic phase. In such bacteria, the coupling of the cell cycle to the splitting of chains of biogenic magnetic nanoparticles (BMNs) provides a biological realization of such forcing. Using a static gradient magnetic field of a special spatial configuration, in probiotic bacteria E. coli Nissle 1917, we shortened the duration of the mitotic phase and thereby accelerated cell division. Thus, focused magnetic gradient forces exerted on the BMN chains allowed us to intervene in the processes of division and growth of bacteria. The proposed magnetic-based cell division regulation strategy can improve the efficiency of microbial cell factories and medical applications of magnetosensitive bacteria.

Bioinformatics Analysis of Protein Homologues of Magnetotactic Bacteria Magnetosome Island Proteins in Human Proteome

Background. The number of biogenic magnetic nanoparticles (BMN), present in human organs and tissues in the form of magnetite (ferrimagnetic iron oxide), increases in oncological and neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, the study of homologues of BMN biomineralization proteins (mam-proteins) of magnetotaxis bacteria (MTB) in human proteome is relevant task. This concern is due primarily to the expediency of establishing patterns of changes in the expression of these proteins and searching for correlations with oncological and neurodegenerative diseases. Objective. We are aimed to conduct the bioinformatic analysis of homologues of MTB mam-proteins in humans and to determine the patterns of changes in the expression of these proteins, as well as to search for their connections with the specified diseases. This will allow to identify the main candidate proteins (among the known homologues of MTB mam-proteins in humans) for experimental verification of their participation in the genetically programmed mechanism of BMN biosynthesis in humans. Methods. The methods of comparative genomics were used, in particular the BLAST (Basic Local Alignment Search Tool) program of the NCBI database. Database tools were also used: NCBI Conserved Domain Search, The Cancer Genome Atlas database, Ensembl database. Results. The bioinformatic analysis of 16 homologues of MTB mam-proteins in humans was carried out, namely: PEX5, ANAPC7, CDC23, CDC27 and SGTA – homologues of MamA in MTB; SLC30A4, SLC30A9, SLC39A3 and SLC39A4 – homologs of MamB and MamM in MTB; HTRA1, HTRA2, HTRA3 and HTRA4 – MamO and MamE homologues in MTB; SCRIB, PDZK1 and PDZD3 – MamE homologues in MTB. Using pairwise alignments, the degree of homology between the mam-proteins of the MTB magnetosome island and the corresponding human proteins was determined, conserved domains and their functions were determined, changes in their expression levels in cancer and normal conditions were determined by analyzing the relevant databases, and the metabolic pathways to which the data proteins are involved were analysed. The analysis of the obtained data allowed to assume the presence of the main homologues of the MTB mam-proteins of the magnetosome island in humans, which cause an increase in the level of BMN in oncological and neurodegenerative diseases, namely: an increase in the expression level of the proteins PEX5, ANAPC7 (homologs of MamA), SLC39A3, SLC39A4 (homologs of MamB and MamM), HTRA4 (MamO and MamE homolog) and SCRIB (MamE homolog). Conclusions. The obtained data allow us to assume that the proteins PEX5, ANAPC7, SGTA, SLC39A3, SLC39A4, HTRA4 and SCRIB are the main homologues of the MTB mam-proteins in humans and cause an increase in the level of BMN in oncological and neurodegenerative diseases.

Biosensors and Drug Delivery in Oncotheranostics Using Inorganic Synthetic and Biogenic Magnetic Nanoparticles.

Magnetic nanocarriers have attracted attention in translational oncology due to their ability to be employed both for tumor diagnostics and therapy. This review summarizes data on applications of synthetic and biogenic magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) in oncological theranostics and related areas. The basics of both types of MNPs including synthesis approaches, structure, and physicochemical properties are discussed. The properties of synthetic MNPs and biogenic MNPs are compared with regard to their antitumor therapeutic efficiency, diagnostic potential, biocompatibility, and cellular toxicity. The comparative analysis demonstrates that both synthetic and biogenic MNPs could be efficiently used for cancer theranostics, including biosensorics and drug delivery. At the same time, reduced toxicity of biogenic particles was noted, which makes them advantageous for in vivo applications, such as drug delivery, or MRI imaging of tumors. Adaptability to surface modification based on natural biochemical processes is also noted, as well as good compatibility with tumor cells and proliferation in them. Advances in the bionanotechnology field should lead to the implementation of MNPs in clinical trials.

Bioinformatic Analysis of the Genetic Mechanism of Biomineralization of Biogenic Magnetic Nanoparticles in Bacteria Capable of Tumor-Specific Accumulation

Background. Current methods of targeted cancer therapy are not always effective enough and can lead to side effects, such as an increased risk of autoimmune diseases. It is known that some bacteria are capable of specific accumulation in malignant tumors, and therefore can be used as an alternative means of targeted drug delivery. However, the genetic mechanism of tumor-specific accumulation of bacteria is not fully understood and needs to be studied in more detail. Objective. This work aims to identify, by methods of comparative genomics methods, magnetically controlled bacteria among those for which tumor-specific accumulation has already been experimentally shown. Methods. To identify magnetically controlled bacterial strains, i.e., bacteria that biomineralize biogenic magnetic nanoparticles (BMN), the method of comparative genomics was used, namely: pairwise alignment of proteomes with amino acid sequences of Mam-proteins of required for biomineralization of BMN in magneto­tactic bacteria Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense MSR-1. Sequence alignments were performed in the BLAST program of the US National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Results. The conducted bioinformatic analysis showed that strains of bacteria in which the ability to accumulate specifically in tumors has been experimentally proven are potential producers of BMN of different types. Among them there are potential producers of intracellular crystalline BMN, potential producers of intracellular amorphous BMN, and extracellular crystalline BMN Conclusions. It is expedient to use bacteria-producing BMN as gene vectors and systems of targeted drug delivery to tumors that biomineralize BMN.

A Magnetosome-Based Platform for Flow Biocatalysis.

Biocatalysis in flow reactor systems is of increasing importance for the transformation of the chemical industry. However, the necessary immobilization of biocatalysts remains a challenge. We here demonstrate that biogenic magnetic nanoparticles, so-called magnetosomes, represent an attractive alternative for the development of nanoscale particle formulations to enable high and stable conversion rates in biocatalytic flow processes. In addition to their intriguing material characteristics, such as high crystallinity, stable magnetic moments, and narrow particle size distribution, magnetosomes offer the unbeatable advantage over chemically synthesized nanoparticles that foreign protein “cargo” can be immobilized on the enveloping membrane via genetic engineering and thus, stably presented on the particle surface. To exploit these advantages, we develop a modular connector system in which abundant magnetosome membrane anchors are genetically fused with SpyCatcher coupling groups, allowing efficient covalent coupling with complementary SpyTag-functionalized proteins. The versatility of this approach is demonstrated by immobilizing a dimeric phenolic acid decarboxylase to SpyCatcher magnetosomes. The functionalized magnetosomes outperform similarly functionalized commercial particles by exhibiting stable substrate conversion during a 60 h period, with an average space–time yield of 49.2 mmol L–1 h–1. Overall, our results demonstrate that SpyCatcher magnetosomes significantly expand the genetic toolbox for particle surface functionalization and increase their application potential as nano-biocatalysts.

Chain-Like Structures of Biogenic and Nonbiogenic Magnetic Nanoparticles in Vascular Tissues.

In this paper, slices of organs from various organisms (animals, plants, fungi) were investigated by using atomic force microscopy and magnetic force microscopy to identify common features of localization of both biogenic and nonbiogenic magnetic nanoparticles. It was revealed that both biogenic and nonbiogenic magnetic nanoparticles are localized in the form of chains of separate nanoparticles or chains of conglomerates of nanoparticles in the walls of the capillaries of animals and the walls of the conducting tissue of plants and fungi. Both biogenic and nonbiogenic magnetic nanoparticles are embedded as a part of the transport system in multicellular organisms. In connection with this, a new idea of the function of biogenic magnetic nanoparticles is discussed, that the chains of biogenic magnetic nanoparticles and chains of conglomerates of biogenic magnetic nanoparticles represent ferrimagnetic organelles of a specific purpose. Besides, magnetic dipole-dipole interaction of biogenic magnetic nanoparticles with magnetically labeled drugs or contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging should be considered when designing the drug delivery and other medical systems because biogenic magnetic nanoparticles in capillary walls will serve as the trapping centers for the artificial magnetic nanoparticles. The aggregates of both artificial and biogenic magnetic nanoparticles can be formed, contributing to the risk of vascular occlusion. Bioelectromagnetics. 43:119-143, 2022. © 2021 Bioelectromagnetics Society.

The Effect of Magnetite Nanoparticles on the Growth and Development of Nicotiana Tabacum Plants in Vivo and in Vitro Culture

Background. Nanomaterials are easily modified and have unique characteristics associated with a large reactive surface Due to these properties, nanomaterials are used in various branches of sciences and technology, such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, chemical technology, etc. Recently, the effect of magnetite nanoparticles on the morphological properties of plants has been actively studied for their further use as nanoadditives to increase yields and improve the properties of agricultural plants. Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) is a model object of plant biotechnology, it is used to study the effect of various factors on dicotyledonous plants, so it was chosen to study the effect of magnetite on the growth, development, and mass accumulation by plants. Objective. We are aimed to study the effect of magnetite nanoparticles on the growth and development of Nicotiana tabacum in vivo and in vitro. Methods. The ability of tobacco to produce biogenic magnetic nanoparticles by searching for mammal proteins homologues in theNicotiana tabacum proteome using the Blast NCBI program was studied using comparative genomics methods. The plants were divided into groups (control, magnetite nanoparticle concentration 0.1 mg/cm3, magnetite nanoparticle concentration 1 mg/cm3) for both in vivo and in vitro experiments. Analysis of plant parameters was performed every 14 days to study the dynamics of the effects of magnetite nanoparticles. Results. It was determined that magnetite nanoparticles at a concentration of 0.1 mg/cm3 in culture in vitro and in vivo significantly affect the growth of the root system and sprouts of Nicotiana tabacum. On the 56th day of plant cultivation in vitro on a salivary medium supplemented with magnetite nanoparticles at a concentration of 0.1 mg/cm3, an increase in the shoot length by 13.3%, root length by 31.7%, and the mass of absolutely dry substances by 18.75% was observed compared to the control. Treatment of magnetite nanoparticles with a suspension at a concentration of 0.1 mg/cm3 led to more pronounced results when growing tobacco in vivo. So, on the56th day, the root length increased by 23.3%, the length of the shoot – by 19.2%, and the mass of absolutely dry substances – by2 times, the first leaves appeared 2 days earlier compared to the control. The addition of magnetite nanoparticles to the substrate on which the plants were grown in vivo at a concentration of 1 mg/cm3 inhibits the growth of tobacco. Conclusions. Studies have shown the expediency of using magnetic nanoparticles at a concentration of 0.1 mg/cm3 as nanofertilizers in tobacco cultivation.

Magnetosome membrane engineering to improve G protein-coupled receptor activities in the magnetosome display system

Magnetotactic bacterium, Magnetospirillum magneticum, produces biogenic magnetic nanoparticles termed magnetosomes, which are primarily composed of a magnetite core and a surrounding lipid bilayer membrane. We have fabricated human transmembrane protein-magnetosome complexes by genetic engineering with embedding the transmembrane proteins of interest, in particular G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), in the magnetosome membrane. The magnetosomes provide a promising platform for high throughput ligand screening towards drug discovery, and this is a critical advantage of the magnetosome display system beyond conventional membrane platforms such as liposomes and lipid nano-discs. However, the human GPCRs expressed on the magnetosomes were not fully functionalized in bacterial membranes the most probably due to the lack of essential phospholipids such as phosphatidylcholine (PC) for GPCR functionalization. To overcome this issue, we expressed two types of PC-producing enzymes, phosphatidylcholine synthase (PCS) and phosphatidylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PMT) in M. magneticum. As a result, generation and incorporation of PC in cell- and magnetosome-membranes were demonstrated. To the best of our knowledge, M. magneticum is the second bacterial species which had the PC-incorporated lipid membrane by genetic engineering. Subsequently, a GPCR, thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR) and PCS were simultaneously expressed. We found that PC in the magnetosome membrane assisted the binding of TSHR and its ligand, indicating that the genetic approach demonstrated in this study is useful to enhance the function of the GPCRs displayed on the magnetosomes.

The influence of artificial and biogenic magnetic nanoparticles on the metabolism of fungi

The influence of artificial and biogenic magnetic nanoparticles on the metabolism of fungi

An efficient base and H2O2 free protocol for the synthesis of phenols in water and oxygen using spinel CuFe2O4 magnetic nanoparticles

An efficient base and H2O2 free protocol was used for the synthesis of phenols from boronic acids using biogenic CuFe2O4 magnetic nanoparticles as catalyst at room temperature in water and oxygen. The catalyst was prepared using the flowers of Lantana camara. The size of the nanoparticles was 4.27 nm. Base free and ligand free protocol, less time, excellent yields, room temperature, biogenic synthesis of the catalyst, use of O2 as an environmentally friendly oxidant are the advantages of the present protocol. The recyclability of the catalyst was for 5 cycles without loss of magnetic property or catalytic activity.

Production of Magnetically Controlled Biosorbents Based on Fungi Pleurotus ostreatus

Background. Biogenic magnetic nanoparticles (BMN) have been found in representatives of all three superkingdoms of living organisms: bacteria, archaea and eukaryotes (including fungi). At the same time, it was established that the mechanism of biomineralization of BMN is unique for all living organisms. The search for sorbents of biological origin has become one of promising ways of addressing the problem of environmental pollution by heavy metals. Heavy metals are elements of transport emissions and many factories in various industries. These metals getting into the human body cause significant disruption of metabolism and vital functions of the body. Many macromycetes are known to be natural sorbents for heavy metal ions. Laboratory tests use a method of filtering spent sorbent through a paper filter, which is long enough and inefficient. Therefore, it is important to find a more effective way of removing biosorbent from the solution. Such a cheap and efficient method is high-speed magnetic gradient separation. Objective. The aim of the paper is to obtain a magnetically controlled biosorbent based on a fungus Pleurotus ostreatus , to determine the fraction of the magnetically controlled phase of the fungus biomass when added to the substrate of the magnetic fluid, and to investigate the efficiency of extraction of Fe 3+ ions by the fungus biomass of the fungus Pleurotus ostreatus . Methods . The standard method of cultivation of the fungus Pleurotus ostreatus , the method of high-grade magnetic separation and the method of biosorption of ferric ions were used. Results. The process of biosorption of ferric ions by a Pleurotus ostreatus grown on substrates with the addition of magnetic fluids of different concentrations was carried out. It is shown that the dry biosorbent based on the biomass of the Pleurotus ostreatus has a high sorption capacity with respect to Fe 3+ ions since the efficiency of their extraction for 30 minutes of sorption in the samples grown on the substrate with the addition of magnetite is more than 95%. It is proved that when using biomass of ordinary fungus grown on a magnetic fluid, complete saturation occurs 6 times faster (for 5 minutes), compared to 30 min for biosorbent based on biomass of mushroom grown without magnetic fluid. Conclusions. Addition of magnetite (concentration 0.1 and 1 mg/ml) to the substrate in the cultivation of fungi Pleurotus ostreatus significantly increases the efficiency of the sorbent. When using the fungus biomass of Pleurotus ostreatus without adding magnetite for 5 minutes, the efficiency of extraction of iron ions is 70%, for 30 min – 80%. When used to grow the magnetic fluid at a concentration of 0.1 mg/ml and 1 mg/ml for almost 5 minutes, almost complete removal of heavy metal ions occurs.

Nanoscale Heat Transfer from Magnetic Nanoparticles and Ferritin in an Alternating Magnetic Field

Recent suggestions of nanoscale heat confinement on the surface of synthetic and biogenic magnetic nanoparticles during heating by radio frequency-alternating magnetic fields have generated intense interest because of the potential utility of this phenomenon for noninvasive control of biomolecular and cellular function. However, such confinement would represent a significant departure from the classical heat transfer theory. Here, we report an experimental investigation of nanoscale heat confinement on the surface of several types of iron oxide nanoparticles commonly used in biological research, using an all-optical method devoid of the potential artifacts present in previous studies. By simultaneously measuring the fluorescence of distinct thermochromic dyes attached to the particle surface or dissolved in the surrounding fluid during radio frequency magnetic stimulation, we found no measurable difference between the nanoparticle surface temperature and that of the surrounding fluid for three distinct nanoparticle types. Furthermore, the metalloprotein ferritin produced no temperature increase on the protein surface nor in the surrounding fluid. Experiments mimicking the designs of previous studies revealed potential sources of the artifacts. These findings inform the use of magnetic nanoparticle hyperthermia in engineered cellular and molecular systems.