Pranab Das
Biosciences Complex, Room 2521, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6,
Canada
Research Article
Nanosilver-Mediated Change in Human Intestinal Microbiota
Author(s): Pranab Das, Julie AK McDonald, Elaine O Petrof, Emma Allen-Vercoe and Virginia K WalkerPranab Das, Julie AK McDonald, Elaine O Petrof, Emma Allen-Vercoe and Virginia K Walker
The widespread use of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has prompted studies on different species and at various trophic levels, however, little is known about possible toxicological impacts on their corresponding microbiota. Here the effects of AgNPs on a defined bacterial community established from the collected stool of a healthy donor have been investigated. The anaerobic consortium was exposed to several concentrations (0 – 200 mg/L) of AgNPs (capped; 10 nm) for 48 h. Nanosilver had a negative impact on the bacterial community as evidenced by a significant reduction (~22%) in culture-generated gas production at the two highest AgNP concentrations compared to controls, as well as significant (p<0.05) changes in fatty acid methyl ester profiles even at the lowest concentration. DNA analysis confirmed these observations showing a shift in the community structure as demonstrated .. View More»
DOI:
10.4172/2157-7439.1000235