Many microorganisms have long been known to be able to synthesize nanoparticles either in extracellular media or inside cells but the biochemical mechanisms involved in biomineralization are still poorly understood. In this paper we report the intracellular synthesis of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) by the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 exposed to an aqueous solution of chloroauric acid. We assess the interplay between the biomineralization process and the metabolic activities (i.e. photosynthesis and respiration) of cyanobacteria cells by correlating the GNP synthesis yield with the amount of respiratory and photosynthetic oxygen exchange. The biogenic GNPs are compared in terms of their internalization and biological effects to GNPs synthesized by a standard citrate reduction procedure (cGNPs). The TEM analysis, in conjunction with spectroscopic measurements (i.e. surface plasmon resonance, fluorescence quenching and surface-enhanced Raman scattering, SERS), reveals the localization of biogenic GNPs at the level of intracytoplasmic membranes whereas the pre-formed cGNPs are located at the level of external cellular membrane. Our findings have implications for better understanding the process of biomineralization and assessing the potential risks associated with the accumulation of nanomaterials by various biological systems.

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The aim of this study is to evaluate the bioelectrical and structural-functional changes in frontal cortex after the bee venom (BV) experimental treatments simulating both an acute envenomation and a subchronic BV therapy. Wistar rats were subcutaneously injected once with three different BV doses: 700 μg/kg (T(1) group), 2100 μg/kg (T(3) group), and 62 mg/kg (sublethal dose-in T(SL) group), and repeated for 30 days with the lowest dose (700 μg/kg-in T(S) group). BV effects were assessed by electrophysiological, histological, histochemical, and ultrastructural methods. Single BV doses produced discharges of negative and biphasic sharp waves, and epileptiform spike-wave complexes. The increasing frequency of these elements suggested a dose-dependent neuronal hyperexcitation or irritation. As compared to the lower doses, the sublethal dose was responsible for a pronounced toxic effect, confirmed by ultrastructural data in both neurons and glial cells that underwent extensive, irreversible changes, triggering the cellular death. Subchronic BV treatment in T(S) group resulted in a slower frequency and increased amplitude of cortical activity suggesting neuronal loss. However, neurons were still stimulated by the last BV dose. Structural-functional data showed a reduced cellular density in frontal cortex of animals in this group, while the remaining neurons displayed both specific (stimulation of neuronal activity) and unspecific modifications (moderate alterations to necrotic phenomena). Molecular mechanisms involved in BV interactions with the nervous tissue are also discussed. We consider all these data very important for clinicians who manage patients with multiple bee stings, or who intend to set an appropriate BV therapy.