Researchers reveal the mechanism by which copper nanoparticles degrade bacterial membranes

Publication / Research

On November 4, 2025

An international team of researchers from LIPhy (Université Grenoble Alpes / CNRS), the Institut des Molécules et Matériaux du Mans (Le Mans Université / CNRS) and the Technische Universität Darmstadt (Germany) has shown that copper-based nanoparticles (Cu(OH)₂) can degrade bacterial membranes in presence of small amounts of hydrogen peroxide – amounts comparable to those naturally produced by the metabolism of bacterial cells.

Using neutron reflectometry, the researchers were able to observe in detail the transformation of the membrane upon exposure to the nanoparticles. The results show that more than half of the lipid bilayer that constitutes the bacterial membrane is destroyed, leaving only a single layer of lipids – a clear sign of true membrane lysis (rupture).

This study proposes a simple yet highly precise method for investigating the effects of nanoparticles on cellular membranes. It could notably help to better understand the role of nanostructured materials in the fight against bacteria, by testing different membrane compositions, various types of nanoparticles, and diverse oxidative environments.

For more information, see the scientific article published in open access in Soft Matter.

Date

On November 4, 2025

Contact

Samantha MICCIULLA
samantha.micciullauniv-grenoble-alpes.fr (samantha[dot]micciulla[at]univ-grenoble-alpes[dot]fr)

Reference

S. Micciulla, H. Robertson, N. Paracini & G. Corbel. Oxidative destabilization of model E. coli membrane by Cu(OH)2 nanoparticles: a neutron reflectometry study. Soft Matter (2025)