Isolation of Zinc Oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles resistant Pseudomonas strains from soil and investigation of Zinc resistance genes

The metal oxide nanoparticles of ZnO are widely used in industrial, cosmetic and medical applications. Many studies have focused on the antimicrobial activity of nanoparticles, but limited information on the resistance of bacteria to them is available. The ZnO nanoparticles resistant Pseudomonas strains were isolated from the collected soils from different areas such as Sarcheshmeh Copper mine in Kerman province of Iran. The selected strain was identified by 16 s rRNA gene sequencing analysis. The effect of ZnO NPs on the bacterial growth kinetic was studied. Release of soluble Zinc ions from ZnO NPs were measured by an atomic absorption spectroscopy. The partial sequence of Zinc resistance gene czcC was amplified and identified by phylogenetic analysis of its protein sequences. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16 s rRNA gene sequence showed that the selected strain was Pseudomonas sp. ZnO-2. The growth pattern of selected strain with all studied ZnO NPs concentration was similar to that of control, indicating that ZnO NPs would not affect the growth of isolated strain. During dispersion a substantial amount of zinc ions was quickly released from ZnO NPs. PCR amplification of czcC gene and electrophoresis showed that Pseudomonas sp. ZnO-2 carried this gene.Discussion and Through the evolutionary process, microorganisms have improved their heavy metal resistance mechanisms to adapt to adverse environment. The existence of the czcC gene was confirmed by PCR and it showed high homology with Zinc resistance genes from other bacteria.