Figure 7

Representative TEM images of morphology and structure of E. coli and P. aeruginosa . (A) E. coli treated with Ag NPs; (B) normal E. coli; (C) P. aeruginosa treated with Ag NPs; (D) normal P. aeruginosa. Exposure to Ag NPs resulted in damage to the structure of bacterial cell membranes, condensed DNA, and coagulated cytoplasmic components. Normal bacterial cells were smooth, exhibiting intact surfaces and undamaged structures of inner membranes. Scale bars are as indicated.