Quantitative proteomics and phosphoproteomics elucidate the molecular mechanism of nanostructured TiO2-stimulated biofilm formation

With the increasing concerns regarding bacterial adaption to nanomaterials, it is critical to explore the main mechanism behind the adaptive morphogenesis of microorganisms. In this work, the biofilms formed from activated sludge exposed to 5 and 50 mg/L nTiO(2) in the dark had increased biomass and selectively enriched pathogens. To further elaborate adaptive mechanism of biofilm formation induced by nTiO(2), the protein response and protein phosphorylation modification of Escherichia coli K12 were determined using integrative systems biology analyses of proteomics and phosphoproteomics. Results identified that E. coli cultivated with nTiO(2) considerably upregulated iron acquisition, and regulated protein phosphorylation states associated with of transcription and translation and biofilm formation relative to unexposed controls. Accordingly, bacteria increased siderophores and exopolysaccharide content (increased by about 57% and 231%, respectively), and enhanced resistance to transcriptional inhibitory antibiotics. Moreover, a dose of an iron chelator, i.e., deferoxamine mesylate salt, effectively retarded the biofilm development of bacteria exposed to 50 mg/L nTiO(2). Overall, this work will provide a new insight for biofouling control, and contribute to an improved understanding of microbial adaption to nanomaterials.

Automated summary

This study investigates the adaptive mechanism of bacteria to nanomaterials by analyzing the protein response and phosphorylation modification of bacteria exposed to nTiO(2). The results show that nTiO(2) stimulates iron acquisition, transcription and translation, and biofilm formation in E. coli. It also enhances the resistance of bacteria to antibiotics. Additionally, the use of an iron chelator effectively inhibits the biofilm development of bacteria exposed to nTiO(2). Overall, this work provides new insights into biofouling control and microbial adaptation to nanomaterials.