Magnetic Field-Mediated Control of Whole-Cell Biocatalysis

J Phys Chem Lett. 2020 Nov 5;11(21):8989-8996. doi: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.0c02564. Epub 2020 Oct 9.

Abstract

For decades, scientists have been looking for a way to control catalytic and biocatalytic processes through external physical stimuli. In this Letter, for the first time, we demonstrate the 150 ± 8% increase of the conversion of glucose to ethanol by Saccharomyces cerevisiae due to the application of a low-frequency magnetic field (100 Hz). This effect was achieved by the specially developed magnetic urchin-like particles, consisting of micrometer-sized core coated nanoneedles with high density, which could provide a biosafe permeabilization of cell membranes in a selected frequency and concentration range. We propose an acceleration mechanism based on magnetic field-induced cell membrane permeabilization. The ability to control cell metabolism without affecting their viability is a promising way for industrial biosynthesis to obtain a beneficial product with genetically engineered cells and subsequent improvement of biotechnological processes.

MeSH terms

  • Biocatalysis
  • Biocompatible Materials / chemistry*
  • Biosynthetic Pathways
  • Cell Membrane Permeability
  • Ethanol / chemistry*
  • Ferrous Compounds / chemistry
  • Glucose / chemistry*
  • Hydrogen Peroxide / chemistry
  • Magnetic Fields
  • Magnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Models, Chemical
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / metabolism*
  • Surface Properties

Substances

  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Ferrous Compounds
  • Ethanol
  • Hydrogen Peroxide
  • Glucose