The use of an electromagnetic field coupled with multi-walled carbon nanotubes as a pyocyanin production booster

Bacterial cultures are the source of many useful metabolites utilized in various fields of technology and medicine. One example is pyocyanin, a blue pigment with numerous potential applications, including its use as an antimicrobial agent. This study aimed to verify whether different types of electromagnetic fields, alone or in combination with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), could serve as a process simulator for pyocyanin production. We optimized the stimulative effect and explored the possible underlying mechanisms. The rotating magnetic field (RMF) combined with MWCNT was identified as the most effective setup for pyocyanin production, which can be further enhanced by aeration. Significant changes in conductivity, magnetic induction, and ROS levels were observed. Additionally, the results indicated a varied membrane potential in cells exposed to either the EMF or MWCNT. The purified pigment exhibited strong antibacterial properties, particularly against Staphylococcus aureus and Acinetobacter baumannii, which are often recognized as drug-resistant microorganisms. This research proposes a novel approach to bioprocessing, where the production of the desired metabolite can be stimulated through a combination of stressors.