Abstract
The synthesis of magnetosomes in magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) represents probably one of Earth’s most ancient forms of biomineralization. The evolution of magnetosomes and the origin of magnetotaxis date back to the Archean Eon, 4.4–2.5 Ga ago. Magnetosomes consist of fine magnetite nanocrystals coated with a lipidic envelope. Their findings in eukaryotic cells and animals support the evolutionary success of otherwise energetically very demanding biocrystallization. Moreover, the conservation of magnetite biomineralization genes in all domains of life has been proposed very recently. Therefore, it is not surprising that magnetosomes have attracted attention from various scientific fields, including mineralogy, microbiology, biochemistry, biophysics, and bioengineering. Here, we review the most recent iron flow findings that lead to magnetite nanocrystals’ biomineralization in MTB. We emphasize the historical milestones that formed the evolution of magnetosomes and magnetotaxis functionality. Finally, we discuss the usability of these unique structures in biomedical, biotechnological, environmental, and nutritional applications.
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