Structural Basis for the Biological Effects of Pr(III) Ions: Alteration of Cell Membrane Permeability

Abstract

The biological effects of rare-earth ions on the organism have been studied using Pr3+ as a probe ion and Escherichia coli cell as a target. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) observation of the surface of E. coli cells shows that the presence of Pr3+ substantially changes the structure of the outer membrane. By induced coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), more Cu2+ was found in the cells grown in the presence of Pr3+, indicating changes of cell permeability. Using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Ca2+ is found on the outer surface of the original cell. It is proposed that Pr3+ can replace Ca2+ from the binding sites because of their close ionic radii and similar ligand speciality.

Oxidative effects, nutrients and metabolic changes in aquatic macrophyte, Elodea nuttallii, following exposure to lanthanum

“…À (Fig. 1a) and H 2 O 2 (Wang et al, 2007;Ippolito et al, 2010), and the altered membrane permeability, which led to increased ion loss (Peng et al, 2007;Zheng et al, 2002;Wang et al, 2010a). Furthermore, our results also showed an increase in K þ leakage when plants were treated with La, which was also representative of membrane disruption (Table 2).…”

“…It has been reported that REEs can cause damage to the plasma membrane and cytoskeleton structures (Zheng et al, 2002;Liu and Hasenstein, 2005;Peng et al, 2007;Wang et al, 2010a). Therefore, they can affect the flow of nutrients into and out of the cell.…”

Effects of Simulated Rare Earth Recycling Wastewaters on Biological Nitrification

“…16 The same research group also reported that Pr 3+ (at 1 mM) increased E. coli permeability to Cu 2+ ions. 15 Increased membrane permeability was also cited by others as a cause for E. coli mortality when exposed to cerium nitrate at concentrations ≥0.25 mM (equivalent to 35 ppm Ce). 13, 14 …”

Synthesis of Catechin‐Rare Earth Complex with Efficient and Broad‐Spectrum Anti‐Biofilm Activity

“…It also suggested that rare earth ions (RE 3+ ) exhibited outstanding anti‐biofilm formation activities . It was believed that RE 3+ can use the calcium channel to pass the cell wall, and efficiently hinder the growth of microbial . Liu et al .…”

“…Liu et al . reported that RE 3+ can replace Ca 2+ from the binding sites due to their similar ion radius and ligand specialty . However, the bioactivity of RE 3+ is still limited due to its favorable water solubility and poor cell affinity.…”