ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the interactions of the metallic and metal oxide nanomaterials and microorganisms, such as algae, bacteria, and protozoa. Engineered Nanomaterials (ENMs) adsorption and internalisation by microorganisms are key processes determining the toxicological outcome. An informative list on the chapter concerning the adsorption and uptake of metal-containing ENMs in various organisms, including microorganisms, can be found in various articles. ENMs-microorganisms interactions are highly complex and result from dynamic interplay of the physicochemical properties of ENMs, variables of the ambient medium, and the type of microorganisms. A significant progress has been made in the understanding of the interactions of the metal-containing ENMs and microorganisms, providing various evidences about the capability of the ENMs to be adsorbed and internalized in a way depending on the characteristics of the particles, the nature of the microorganisms, and the variables of the ambient medium.
