title: Layer-by-layer nano-encapsulation of microbes: controlled cell surface modification and investigation of substrate uptake in bacteria.
abstract: LbL nano self-assembly coating of A. vinosum with different polyelectrolyte combinations is presented as an example to investigate substrate uptake in bacteria. The effects of surface charge and the formation of a physical barrier provides new insights in the contact mechanisms between the cell surface and insoluble elemental sulfur. Furthermore, uptake of sulfide by encapsulated cells was investigated. Growth experiments of coated cells showed that surface charge did neither affect sulfide uptake nor the contact formation between the cells and solid sulfur. However, increasing layers slowed or inhibited the uptake of sulfide and elemental sulfur. This work demonstrates how defining surface properties of bacteria has potential for microbiological and biotechnological applications.
authors.affiliation: Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences, Microbiology and Food Hygiene, Rheydter Strasse 277, 41065 Moenchengladbach, Germany.
authors.forename: Bettina
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Franz
authors.forename: Shantanu S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Balkundi
authors.forename: Christiane
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Dahl
authors.forename: Yuri M
authors.initials: YM
authors.lastname: Lvov
authors.forename: Alexander
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Prange
mesh_terms: D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000378:metabolism*; D002841:Chromatiaceae / Q000166:cytology* / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism*; D055664:Electrochemical Techniques; D042541:Intracellular Space / Q000378:metabolism; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal; D057145:Nanoshells / Q000382:microbiology; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000379:methods*; D013431:Sulfates / Q000378:metabolism; D013455:Sulfur / Q000378:metabolism; D013499:Surface Properties
chemical_list: D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D013431:Sulfates; D013455:Sulfur