Physiological response to silver toxicity in the extremely halophilic archaeon Halomicrobium mukohataei

ABSTRACT Adaptive strategies responsible for heavy metal tolerance were explored in the extremely halophilic archaeon Halomicrobium mukohataei DSM 12286. The tested strain was seemingly able to overcome silver-induced oxidative stress (assessed by malondialdehyde quantification, catalase assay and total antioxidant capacity measurement) mainly through non-enzymatic antioxidants. Energy dispersive spectrometry analysis illustrated the presence of colloidal silver in Hmc. mukohataei cultures exposed to AgNO3. Bright-field and transmission electron microscopy images, as well as dynamic light scattering analysis, demonstrated the presence of intracellular nanoparticles, mostly spherical, within a size range of 20–100 nm. As determined by the zeta potential measurement, the biosynthesized nanoparticles were highly stable, with a negative surface charge. Our research is a first attempt in the systematic study of the oxidative stress and intracellular silver nanoparticle accumulation, generated by exposure to silver ions, in members of Halobacteria class, thus broadening our knowledge on mechanisms supporting heavy metal tolerance of microbial cells living under saline conditions. Halomicrobium mukohataei overcomes exposure to silver, producing intracellular silver nanoparticles.