Mechanistic evaluation of enhanced graphene toxicity to Bacillus induced by humic acid adsorption

Xuejiao Zhang, Jin Zeng, Jason C. White, Fangbai Li, Zhiqiang Xiong, Siyu Zhang, Yuze Xu, Jingjing Yang, Weihao Tang, Qing Zhao (), Fengchang Wu () and Baoshan Xing ()
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Xuejiao Zhang: Guangdong Academy of Sciences
Jin Zeng: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Jason C. White: The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station
Fangbai Li: Guangdong Academy of Sciences
Zhiqiang Xiong: Soochow University
Siyu Zhang: Guangdong Academy of Sciences
Yuze Xu: Guangdong Academy of Sciences
Jingjing Yang: Guangdong Academy of Sciences
Weihao Tang: Guangdong Academy of Sciences
Qing Zhao: Guangdong Academy of Sciences
Fengchang Wu: Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences
Baoshan Xing: University of Massachusetts

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-12

Abstract: Abstract The extensive application of graphene nanosheets (GNSs) has raised concerns over risks to sensitive species in the aquatic environment. The humic acid (HA) corona is traditionally considered to reduce GNSs toxicity. Here, we evaluate the effect of sorbed HA (GNSs-HA) on the toxicity of GNSs to Gram positive Bacillus tropicus. Contrary to previous data, GNSs-HA exhibits greater toxicity compared to GNSs. Multi-omics combined with sensitive bioassays and electrochemical methods reveals GNSs disrupt oxidative phosphorylation by causing physical membrane damage. This leads to the accumulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species and inhibition of ATP production, subsequently suppressing synthetic and metabolic processes and ultimately causing bacterial death. Conversely, GNSs-HA directly extracts electrons from bacteria and oxidized biomolecules due to HA-improved electron transfer. This finding suggests that the HA corona does not always mitigate the toxicity of nanoparticles, thereby introducing uncertainty over the interaction between environmental corona and nanoparticles during ecological risk evaluation.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-55270-2

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