Individual cell modification with cell surface specific atom transfer radical polymerization for enhanced Cr(VI)...

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Polymer Chemistry
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Surface modification of cells with polymers can impart new functions.
• Atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) is a promising technique due to its biocompatibility.
• Initiating ATRP directly from cell surfaces for in-situ modification presents challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a method for bacterial surface-initiated ATRP.
• To apply this method for enhancing chromium (VI) removal.
• To explore the potential of bacterial surface modification in bioremediation.

Main Methods:

• Developed a bacterial surface-initiated ATRP method using azide-alkyne click chemistry for initiator anchoring.
• Modified Shewanella oneidensis cells with poly (4-vinyl pyridine) and sodium polymethacrylate.
• Assessed the impact of polymer modification on heavy metal tolerance and Cr(VI) removal rates.

Main Results:

• Successfully initiated ATRP from the bacterial cell surface for in-situ polymer modification.
• Demonstrated enhanced heavy metal tolerance in modified Shewanella oneidensis.
• Achieved a 2.6-fold increase in Cr(VI) removal rate, from 0.088 h⁻¹ to 0.314 h⁻¹.

Conclusions:

• The study presents a novel approach for bacterial surface modification via surface-initiated ATRP.
• Polymer-modified bacteria show improved performance in bioremediation of Cr(VI).
• This method offers a new strategy for applying ATRP in bioremediation and other biotechnological applications.