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Intracellular nickel accumulation by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and its chemical nature
Author(s) -
Sar P.,
Kazy S.K.,
Singh S.P.
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
letters in applied microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.698
H-Index - 110
eISSN - 1472-765X
pISSN - 0266-8254
DOI - 10.1046/j.1472-765x.2001.00878.x
Subject(s) - pseudomonas aeruginosa , intracellular , pseudomonadales , microbiology and biotechnology , pseudomonadaceae , bacteria , nickel , chemistry , biology , biochemistry , genetics , organic chemistry
Aims: To investigate intracellular localization of nickel and its chemical nature in Pseudomonas aeruginosa . Methods and Results: Transmission electron micrographs of Ni‐loaded bacteria exhibited a darkened electron opaque zone throughout the cell periphery. Energy dispersive X‐ray analysis confirmed the deposition of metallic nickel. Cell fractionation revealed that 88% of the accumulated nickel was restricted to the periplasm and membrane. X‐ray diffraction patterns ascertained the chemical nature of cellular Ni as phosphide (Ni 5 P 4 , NiP 2 and Ni 12 P 5 ) and carbide (Ni 3 C) crystals. Conclusions:Pseudomonas aeruginosa accumulated nickel as its phosphide and carbide crystal mostly in the cell envelope region, indicating the predominant role of phosphoryl and carboxyl/carbonyl groups of cell wall/membrane components in cation sequestration. Significance and Impact of the Study: The data contribute significantly to a better understanding of bacteria–metal interaction and will be useful in developing biotechnological strategies for toxic metal bioremediation.