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Abstract
Leptothrix species, one of the Fe-/Mn-oxidizing bacteria, are ubiquitous in aqueous environments, especially at sites characterized by a circumneutral pH, an oxygen gradient and a source of reduced Fe and Mn minerals. Characteristic traits that distinguish the genus Leptothrix from other phylogenetically related species are its filamentous growth and ability to form uniquely shaped microtubular sheaths through the precipitation of copious amounts of oxidized Fe or Mn. The sheath is an ingenious hybrid of organic and inorganic materials produced through the interaction of bacterial exopolymers with aqueous-phase inorganics. Intriguingly, we discovered that Leptothrix sheaths have a variety of unexpected functions that are suitable for industrial applications such as material for lithium battery electrode, a catalyst enhancer, pottery pigment among others. This review focuses on the structural and chemical properties of the Leptothrix sheaths and their noteworthy functions that show promise for development of cost-effective, eco-friendly industrial applications.
Highlights
Biomineralization, defined as the study of the formation, structure and properties of inorganic solids deposited in biological systems, involves the selective extraction and uptake of elements from the local environment and their incorporation into functional structures under the control of an organism [1]
This review focuses on biological and chemical properties of biogenous iron oxide (BIOX), in particular, that produced by the genus Leptothrix and functions that have attractive industrial applications
Bacteria belonging to the genus Gallionella are another group of ubiquitous inhabitants of ocherous deposits that form in bodies of freshwater
Summary
Biomineralization, defined as the study of the formation, structure and properties of inorganic solids deposited in biological systems, involves the selective extraction and uptake of elements from the local environment and their incorporation into functional structures under the control of an organism [1]. Fe-/Mn-oxidizing bacteria, Gallionella, Sphaerotilus, Leptothrix, and Clonothrix, are biomineralizing organisms and very often found in ocherous ferromanganese deposits that form in neutral waters of lakes, ponds, swamps, drainage ditches, and springs all over the world [2] They inhabit wells and water-distribution systems, where they often cause significant clogging problems [2,3]. Our group discovered that this biologically derived, uniquely shaped material is chemically and physically active, and they are regarded as a promising functional material for innovative development that will alleviate an environmental waste We termed this bacterium-associated, Fe-rich material “biogenous iron oxide (BIOX)” [6] and have concentrated on characterizing its properties and its natural and artificial synthesis and determining practical uses. Another common physiological character of this genus includes their tendency to form globules of poly-hydroxybutyrate in their cytoplasm as a reserve material, which enables them to survive in nutrient-poor environments [10,11]
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