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Electron paramagnetic resonance was used to investigate the magnetic material present in abdomens of Pachycondyla marginata ants. A g congruent with 4.3 resonance of high-spin ferric ions and a very narrow g congruent with 2 line are observed. Two principal resonance broad lines, one with g > 4.5 (LF) and the other in the region of g congruent with 2 (HF), were associated with the biomineralization process. The resonance field shift between these two lines, HF and LF, associated with magnetic nanoparticles indicates the presence of cluster structures containing on average three single units of magnetite-based nanoparticles. Analysis of the temperature dependence of the HF resonance linewidths supports the model picture of isolated magnetite nanostructures of approximately 13 nm in diameter with a magnetic energy of 544 K. These particles are shown to present a superparamagnetic behavior at room temperature. The use of these superparamagnetic particle properties for the magnetoreception process of the ants is suggested.

The efficiency of 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(1-methylpyridinium-4-yl)porphyrin tetra-iodide (Tetra-Py(+)-Me) in the photodynamic inactivation of single-species biofilms of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans and mixed biofilms of S. aureus and C. albicans was evaluated. The effect on the extracellular matrix of P. aeruginosa was also assessed. Irradiation with white light up to an energy dose of 64.8 J cm(-2) in the presence of 20 μm of Tetra-Py(+)-Me caused significant inactivation in all single-species biofilms (3-6 log reductions), although the susceptibility was attenuated in relation to planktonic cells. In mixed biofilms, the inactivation of S. aureus was as efficient as in single-species biofilms but the susceptibility of C. albicans decreased. In P. aeruginosa biofilms, a reduction of 81% in the polysaccharide content of the matrix was observed after treatment with a 20 μm PS concentration and a total light dose of 64.8 J cm(-2). The results show that the Tetra-Py(+)-Me causes significant inactivation of the microorganisms, either in biofilms or in the planktonic form, and demonstrate that polysaccharides of the biofilm matrix may be a primary target of photodynamic damage.

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