Fig. 4: Tomogram reconstruction of nanopillar-induced envelope deformation in E. coli.

A tilt series was acquired of E. coli a, where a single nanopillar appeared to be penetrating the envelope (dashed white circle). Analysis of tomographic slices from the start b, middle c and point of nanopillar contact d revealed that the nanopillar had clearly indented the envelope but had not pierced through. The interaction was therefore categorised as nanopillar-induced envelope deformation, localised at the point of nanopillar contact. This interaction is highlighted in the 3D reconstruction shown in e. Electron tomography was performed on three E. coli cells interacting with TiO2 nanopillars, these were acquired in two tilt series.