Determination of internalization of chromium oxide nano-particles in Escherichia coli by flow cytometry.

In this study, Escherichia coil DH5alpha (ATCC 35218) were exposed to 0-100 microg/mL chromium oxide nanoparticles (Cr2O3, Nps) for 15-120 min to study the internalization of Nps by flowcytometry. A concentration-duration dependent increased side scatter (SSC) confirmed the internalization of Cr2O3 NPs by the E. coli. This study suggests that the uptake of Nps by bacterial cells can be rapidly monitored with flow cytometry for toxicity and risk assessment.