We tested the sensitivity of N2 and multiple mutant strains with deficiencies in
mitochondrial homeostasis genes (drp-1, eat-3, fzo-1, pdr-1,
pink-1) to exposure to 9nm (average diameter), amine-coated,
positively-charged AgNPs. The graph depicts the relative length of control and
treated animals after 72 h of growth from the L1 stage (synchronized), in MHRW,
with UVC-killed UVRA bacteria. Error bars represent one standard error of the
mean; experiment repeated twice in time, total n = 39–40
nematodes per dose per strain. Because aggregation of AgNPs was observed, we
used hyperspectral imaging to verify ingestion after 48 h with a 2 ppm exposure.
Ingestion was observed for all strains (N2 shown). Unpublished data from
Victoria Harms, Laura Maurer, and Joel Meyer; AgNPs synthesized by Stella
Marinakos; Cytoviva images taken and analyzed by Nick Geitner.