Influence of carbon-based nanomaterials on lux-bioreporter Escherichia coli

The cytotoxic effects of carbon-based nanomaterials are evaluated via the induction of luminescent genetically engineered Escherichia coli bacterial cells. Specifically, two engineered E. coli bacteria strains of DPD2794 and TV1061 were incubated with aqueous dispersion of three carbon allotropes (multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), graphene nanosheets and carbon black nanopowders) with different concentrations and the resulting bioluminescence was recorded at 30 °C and 25°C, respectively. The corresponding optical density changes of bacterial cells in the presence of various carbon nanomaterials were recorded as well. Based on these results, E. coli DPD2794 bacterial induction responds to a greater degree than E. coli TV1061 bacteria when exposed to various carbon-based nanomaterials. Finally, the surface morphology of E. coli DPD2794 bacteria cells before and after carbon-based nanomaterials treatment was observed using a field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), from which morphological changes from the presence of carbon-based nanomaterials were observed and discussed.