Fig. 8

Proposed model for the accumulation and elimination of nanoparticles through minicells. A E. coli cells synthesize nanoparticles as means for metal immobilization and tolerance. These nanoparticles are associated to the cell membrane and are distributed through the cell. B A fraction of nanoparticles is relocated to a cell pole. Minicell formation causes the encapsulation of nanoparticles, eliminating them from the cell. C Continuous elimination of nanoparticles from the cell inside minicells promotes cell fitness and allows other metal tolerance mechanisms to be bypassed