Minicells as an Escherichia coli mechanism for the accumulation and disposal of fluorescent cadmium sulphide nanoparticles.

Background: Bacterial biosynthesis of fluorescent nanoparticles or quantum dots (QDs) has emerged as a unique mechanism for heavy metal tolerance. However, the physiological pathways governing the removal of QDs from bacterial cells remains elusive. This study investigates the role of minicells, previously identified as a means of eliminating damaged proteins and enhancing bacterial resistance to stress.