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Mechanistic evaluation of enhanced graphene toxicity to Bacillus induced by humic acid adsorption

Author

Listed:
  • Xuejiao Zhang

    (Guangdong Academy of Sciences
    Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Jin Zeng

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Jason C. White

    (The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station)

  • Fangbai Li

    (Guangdong Academy of Sciences)

  • Zhiqiang Xiong

    (Soochow University)

  • Siyu Zhang

    (Guangdong Academy of Sciences
    Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Yuze Xu

    (Guangdong Academy of Sciences)

  • Jingjing Yang

    (Guangdong Academy of Sciences)

  • Weihao Tang

    (Guangdong Academy of Sciences)

  • Qing Zhao

    (Guangdong Academy of Sciences
    Ltd.)

  • Fengchang Wu

    (Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences)

  • Baoshan Xing

    (University of Massachusetts)

Abstract

The extensive application of graphene nanosheets (GNSs) has raised concerns over risks to sensitive species in the aquatic environment. The humic acid (HA) corona is traditionally considered to reduce GNSs toxicity. Here, we evaluate the effect of sorbed HA (GNSs-HA) on the toxicity of GNSs to Gram positive Bacillus tropicus. Contrary to previous data, GNSs-HA exhibits greater toxicity compared to GNSs. Multi-omics combined with sensitive bioassays and electrochemical methods reveals GNSs disrupt oxidative phosphorylation by causing physical membrane damage. This leads to the accumulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species and inhibition of ATP production, subsequently suppressing synthetic and metabolic processes and ultimately causing bacterial death. Conversely, GNSs-HA directly extracts electrons from bacteria and oxidized biomolecules due to HA-improved electron transfer. This finding suggests that the HA corona does not always mitigate the toxicity of nanoparticles, thereby introducing uncertainty over the interaction between environmental corona and nanoparticles during ecological risk evaluation.

Suggested Citation

  • Xuejiao Zhang & Jin Zeng & Jason C. White & Fangbai Li & Zhiqiang Xiong & Siyu Zhang & Yuze Xu & Jingjing Yang & Weihao Tang & Qing Zhao & Fengchang Wu & Baoshan Xing, 2025. "Mechanistic evaluation of enhanced graphene toxicity to Bacillus induced by humic acid adsorption," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-12, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-55270-2
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-55270-2
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Timothy Elston & Hongyun Wang & George Oster, 1998. "Energy transduction in ATP synthase," Nature, Nature, vol. 391(6666), pages 510-513, January.
    2. Hongyun Wang & George Oster, 1998. "Energy transduction in the F1 motor of ATP synthase," Nature, Nature, vol. 396(6708), pages 279-282, November.
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