Applications of iron oxide nanoparticles in microbiology and the effects on microorganisms

A broad application of nanostructures in various fields of science has led to their commercialization in different industries. For instance, application of the antimicrobial activity of nanosilver is one of the consequences of such these strategies. Furthermore, iron oxide nanoparticles is currently employed in microbial cell fixation. In addition, nanoparticles can be used for effective targeted drug delivery to the site of infection. In this term, study on the effect of iron oxide nanoparticles on the physiology of microorganisms is highly demanded. At low concentrations, since iron oxide nanoparticles can act as iron source of microorganisms, they may be eliminated from microbial environment. However, higher concentrations of these particles can result in cell stress and reduction in microbial cell growth. These nanoparticles attach to the microbial cell wall via electrostatic and hydrophobic forces, reducing microbial pathogenicity. The attachment of iron oxide nanoparticles to bacterial cell wall interferes in functionality of cell membrane and thereby increase membranes permeability. These phenomenon increases molecular transportation through the cell membrane and increases productivity in industrial process.