Can the Ames test provide an insight into nano-object mutagenicity? Investigating the interaction between nano-objects and bacteria.
The aim of this study was to assess the interaction of a series of well characterised nano-objects with the Gram negative bacterium Salmonella typhimurium, and how such an interaction may relate to the potential mutagenicity of nano-objects. Transmission electron microscopy showed that nano-objects (Au-PMA-ATTO NPs, CeO₂ NPs, SWCNTs and MWCNTs), as well as CAFs entered S. typhimurium. Only DEPs did not penetrate/enter the bacteria, however, were the only particle stimulus to induce any significant mutagenicity through the Ames test. Comparison with a sophisticated 3D in vitro cell model showed CAFs, DEPs, SWCNTs and MWCNTs to cause a significant increase in mammalian cell proliferation, whilst both the Au-PMA-ATTO NPs and CeO₂ NPs had not significant adverse effects. In conclusion, these results indicate that various of different nano-objects are able to penetrate the double-lipid bilayer of Gram negative bacteria, although the Ames test may not be a good indicator for nano-object mutagenicity.
Adolphe Merkle Institute and Fribourg Center for Nanomaterials, University of Fribourg , Rte de l'Ancienne Papeterie, CH-1723 Marly 1 , Switzerland.
Martin J D
MJ
Clift
David O
DO
Raemy
Carola
C
Endes
Zulqurnain
Z
Ali
Andrea D
AD
Lehmann
Christina
C
Brandenberger
Alke
A
Petri-Fink
Peter
P
Wick
Wolfgang J
WJ
Parak
Peter
P
Gehr
Roel P F
RP
Schins
Barbara
B
Rothen-Rutishauser
D035843:Biomedical Research; D002460:Cell Line; D049109:Cell Proliferation / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D050296:Microbial Viability / Q000187:drug effects*; D009152:Mutagenicity Tests / Q000379:methods*; D049329:Nanostructures / Q000633:toxicity*; D012486:Salmonella typhimurium / Q000187:drug effects