Andrey Belousov

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of physical factors induced by magnetite nanoparticles (specifically, constant magnetic fields and sorption activity) on microorganisms belonging to various taxonomic groups. Biomarkers included the intensity of free radical lipid peroxidation (FRLP) and bacteriostatic activity. It was found that magnetite nanoparticles elicited differentiated responses in microorganisms (Fig.1). The primary influencing factor for Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the magnetic field, whereas for Staphylococcus aureus, sorption played a more significant role. A statistically significant reduction in the rate of lipid free radical consumption was observed across all tested strains following treatment with magnetite nanoparticles. Microbiological studies revealed pronounced bacteriostatic effects of magnetite nanoparticles on Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus aureus. A similar effect was observed when physiological saline pre-treated with these nanoparticles was applied. A correlation was demonstrated between the degree of bacteriostatic activity and the intensity of FRLP reactions. The maximum effect against Staphylococcus aureus was achieved under conditions where sorption was the dominant mechanism, whereas for Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, the greatest effect was observed under the predominant influence of the magnetic field. Of particular interest was the pronounced bacteriostatic effect exhibited by physiological saline pre-treated with magnetite nanoparticles. This phenomenon is presumed to result from changes in the polarization structure of water induced by the applied magnetite nanoparticles, which likely affects microbial viability.