Varying Effects of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles (IONPs) on the Bacterial Cells

Abstract

Abstract: Nanoparticles have a wide range of responsive reactions in bacterial cells depending on their characteristics. They interact with organisms at a cellular level and are capable of producing unexpected reactions depending on their own and cell’s morphological features. Some functions provide betterment of cells and some cause disruptions in the cell functioning or exhibit toxicity for them. Nanoparticles, depending on their toxicity, can also cause alterations in cellular physiology. Different nanoparticles affect different biological species in different ways. As a result, a comprehensive investigation is necessary for all types of nanoparticles to demonstrate their beneficial and harmful effects on various species in terms of growth, inhibition, toxicity, and death. In this review, we have only focused on the iron nanoparticle and their effects on bacterial cells as they are the most commonly used nanoparticle in biology and microbiology because of their unique physicochemical properties (size, shape, stability, etc.). These properties of NPs allow them to react with the bacterial cell surfaces and create a response (which can either support the growth of the bacteria or cause an anti-bacterial or anti-microbial effect on them). These properties are also changeable if we alter the morphological features of the NPs. Studies have shown improvement in microbiological reaction rates by using magnetic nanoparticles. However, nanoparticle toxicity is the major area of concern, as it can decrease therapeutic efficiency and cause adverse effects. Considering the wide range of responses and their reasons, this review summarizes the effects an iron oxide nanoparticle can have on the bacterial cell in general, the factors that influence those effects, and the relation of NP's characteristics to their significant differences in effects on bacteria.