Toxic Effects of Metal Oxide Nanoparticles Based on the Enzymatic Activity and Biosynthesis of β-Galactosidase Using a Mutant Strain of E. coli

The effects of six metal oxide nanoparticles (MO-NPs) on the activity and biosynthesis of an enzyme (beta-galactosidase) were examined using a mutant strain of E. coli. Different sensitivities were observed according to the type of NP and metabolic process. The toxic effects on enzyme activity were significantly greater than on biosynthesis (p CuO > NiO > Co(3)O(4) > TiO(2), Al(2)O(3) for enzyme activity; and ZnO > CuO > NiO >> Al(2)O(3), TiO(2), Co(3)O(4) for the biosynthetic process. More systematic research, including in-depth studies like investigation of the molecular mechanisms, is necessary to elucidate the detailed mechanisms of inhibition involved in both metabolic processes.