Impact of BaSO4 particles on the viability of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells

Abstract

With the constant advances in nanotechnologies and emerging nanoproducts market, the need to investigate not only chemically active but also stable particles such as BaSO4 effects on the environment become evident. Such breakthroughs may result in undesirable environment developments and negatively affect bacteria, plant life, humans. The inevitable process of car stopping is related with the BaSO4 particles emission because of break pad waning. Approximately 220000 tons of breaking pads per year worldwide are grinded and their small particles spread around the environment. Such enormous quantities may result in biological effect on the environment and human well-being. Risk assessment of barium sulphate nanoparticles require careful evaluation of its mobility, reactivity, environmental toxicity, and stability. Thus far, few studies have been conducted on the toxicity to the environment caused by direct and indirect exposure to barium sulphate nanoparticles. Until now, no clear studies have been carried out to evaluate the effects of barium sulphate nanoparticles on eukaryotic or prokaryotic cells. For the experiments a stable barium sulphate nanoparticles suspension has been prepared, with particles having a maximum particle size up to 50 nm. Nonionic surfactant Tween 80 added in suspension reduced the polydispersity degree by 2 times and zeta potential 1.3 times, indicating a higher stability of the BaSO4 suspension. When the concentration of barium sulphate nanoparticles was 0.42 mg/ml, it inhibited the growth of P.aeruginosa bacteria, this concentration was 2 times higher for E.coli and 3 times the S.enterica. Due to the nonionic surfactant additive barium sulfate nanoparticles have increased antibacterial activity: E.coli and P. aeruginosa 2 times, S.enterica 16 times. The growth of gram-positive S.aureus bacteria was inhibited when the concentration of barium sulfate nanoparticles was 0.1 mg/ml.[...]