Production of minicell-like structures by Escherichia coli biosynthesizing cadmium fluorescent nanoparticles: a novel response to heavy metal exposure

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dc.contributor.authorValenzuela-Ibaceta, Felipe
dc.contributor.authorÁlvarez, Sergio A.
dc.contributor.authorPérez-Donoso, José M.
dc.date.accessioned2025-03-03T14:37:53Z
dc.date.available2025-03-03T14:37:53Z
dc.date.issued0025-12
dc.descriptionINDEXACION SCOPUS
dc.description.abstractThe bacterial synthesis of fluorescent semiconductor nanoparticles or quantum dots (QDs), presents a sustainable method for producing nanomaterials with customized optical properties and significant technological potential. However, the underlying cellular mechanisms for this process remain elusive. Specifically, the role of cellular structures in QD generation has not been thoroughly investigated. In this study, we examined the morphological changes in Escherichia coli during the biosynthesis of cadmium sulfide (CdS) QDs, using a strain overexpressing the gshA gene to promote QD biosynthesis through increased glutathione (GSH) levels. Microscopy analyses revealed that fluorescence emission associated with QDs was concentrated at the cell poles, along with fluorescence emission from small spherical cells, a phenomenon exclusively detectable during QD biosynthesis. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed electron-dense nanomaterials localized at the cell poles. Furthermore, it was demonstrated the formation of minicell-like structures (∼ 0.5 μm in diameter) originating from these poles under biosynthesis conditions. These minicells encapsulated nanometric electron-dense material. Additional analyses indicated that minicells contained inclusion bodies, likely formed due to gshA overexpression and cadmium stress. Our findings confirms the role of minicells as a bacterial mechanism for sequestering cadmium at the cell poles and expelling the metal in the form of nanoparticles. This underscores the importance of minicells in bacterial physiology and stress responses, introducing a novel mechanism for heavy metal detoxification in bacteria. © The Author(s) 2025.
dc.identifier.doi10.1186/s12951-025-03188-2
dc.identifier.issn14773155
dc.identifier.urihttps://repositorio.unab.cl/handle/ria/63639
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherBioMed Central Ltd
dc.rights.licenseCC BY LICENSE
dc.subjectCell division; Escherichia coli; Fluorescent nanoparticles; Heavy metals; Minicells; Quantum dots
dc.titleProduction of minicell-like structures by Escherichia coli biosynthesizing cadmium fluorescent nanoparticles: a novel response to heavy metal exposure
dc.typeArtículo
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