Investigation of the oligodynamic effect in slime mold

Abstract

This project investigates the oligodynamic effect on a slime mold. The oligodynamic effect explains the toxicity of certain metals against bacteria and has long been utilized in antimicrobial applications. This research aims to determine whether Physarum polycephalum will distinguish and navigate around potentially toxic metals (gold, silver, copper, rhodium, nickel, iron, tantalum, silicon, tungsten, iridium, platinum, tin, and indium) when moving towards a food source, the impact said metals may have on its physiology, and the induced chemical changes to the metals both on their surfaces and in the bulk. Surface and bulk elemental analysis (by Auger electron spectroscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy), as well as high-resolution imaging by scanning electron microscopy, will be used to analyze the metals before and after exposure. Findings from this project could be applied to fields such as engineering or medicine, including its use as an advanced biological sensor.