Metal binding by bacteria from uranium mining waste piles and its technological applications

Colorimetric As (V) detection based on S-layer functionalized gold nanoparticles

Herein, we present simple and rapid colorimetric and UV/VIS spectroscopic methods for detecting anionic arsenic (V) complexes in aqueous media. The methods exploit the aggregation of S-layer-functionalized spherical gold nanoparticles of sizes between 20 and 50 nm in the presence of arsenic species. The gold nanoparticles were functionalized with oligomers of the S-layer protein of Lysinibacillus sphaericus JG-A12. The aggregation of the nanoparticles results in a color change from burgundy-red for widely dispersed nanoparticles to blue for aggregated nanoparticles. A detailed signal analysis was achieved by measuring the shift of the particle plasmon resonance signal with UV/VIS spectroscopy. To further improve signal sensitivity, the influence of larger nanoparticles was tested. In the case of 50 nm gold nanoparticles, a concentration of the anionic arsenic (V) complex lower than 24 ppb was detectable.

Synthesis of S-layer conjugates and evaluation of their modifiability as a tool for the functionalization and patterning of technical surfaces

Chemical functional groups of surface layer (S-layer) proteins were chemically modified in order to evaluate the potential of S-layer proteins for the introduction of functional molecules. S-layer proteins are structure proteins that self-assemble into regular arrays on surfaces. One general feature of S-layer proteins is their high amount of carboxylic and amino groups. These groups are potential targets for linking functional molecules, thus producing reactive surfaces. In this work, these groups were conjugated with the amino acid tryptophan. In another approach, SH-groups were chemically inserted in order to extend the spectrum of modifiable groups. The amount of modifiable carboxylic groups was further evaluated by potentiometric titration in order to evaluate the potential efficiency of S-layer proteins to work as matrix for bioconjugations. The results proved that S-layer proteins can work as effective matrices for the conjugation of different molecules. The advantage of using chemical modification methods over genetic methods lies in its versatile usage enabling the attachment of biomolecules, as well as fluorescent dyes and inorganic molecules. Together with their self-assembling properties, S-layer proteins are suitable as targets for bioconjugates, thus enabling a nanostructuring and bio-functionalization of surfaces, which can be used for different applications like biosensors, filter materials, or (bio)catalytic surfaces.

Role of S-layer proteins in the biosorption capacity of lead by Lactobacillus kefir

The role of S-layer proteins (SLP) on the Pb(2+) sequestrant capacity by Lactobacillus kefir CIDCA 8348 and JCM 5818 was investigated. Cultures in the stationary phase were treated with proteinase K. A dot blot assay was carried out to assess the removal of SLP. Strains with and without SLP were exposed to 0-0.5 mM Pb(NO3)2. The maximum binding capacity (q max ) and the affinity coefficient (b) were calculated using the Langmuir equation. The structural effect of Pb(2+) on microorganisms with and without SLP was determined using Raman spectroscopy. The bacterial interaction with Pb(2+) led to a broadening in the phosphate bands (1,300-1,200 cm(-1) region) and strong alterations on amide and carboxylate-related bands (νCOO(-) as and νCOO(-) s). Microorganisms without SLP removed higher percentages of Pb(2+) and had higher q max than those bearing SLP. Isolated SLP had much lower q max and also removed lower percentages of Pb(2+) than the corresponding whole microorganisms. The hydrofobicity of both strains dramatically dropped when removing SLP. When bearing SLP, strains do not expose a large amount of charged groups on their surfaces, thus making less efficient the Pb(2+) removal. On the contrary, the extremely low hydrofobicity of microorganisms without SLP (and consequently, their higher capacity to remove Pb(2+)) can be explained on the basis of a greater exposure of charged chemical groups for the interaction with Pb(2+). The viability of bacteria without SLP was not significantly lower than that of bacteria bearing SLP. However, microorganisms without SLP were more prone to the detrimental effect of Pb(2+), thus suggesting that SLP acts as a protective rather than as a sequestrant layer.

Genome sequence and description of the mosquitocidal and heavy metal tolerant strain Lysinibacillus sphaericus CBAM5

Lysinibacillus sphaericus CBAM5, was isolated from subsurface soil of oil well explorations in the Easter Planes of Colombia. This strain has potential in bioremediation of heavy-metal polluted environments and biological control of Culex quinquefasciatus. According to the phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences, the strain CBAM5 was assigned to the Lysinibacillus sphaericus taxonomic group 1 that comprises mosquito pathogenic strains. After a combination assembly-integration, alignment and gap-filling steps, we propose a 4,610,292 bp chromosomal scaffold. The whole genome (consisting of 5,146,656 bp long, 60 contigs and 5,209 predicted-coding sequences) revealed strong functional and syntenial similarities to the L. sphaericus C3-41 genome. Mosquitocidal (Mtx), binary (Bin) toxins, cereolysin O, and heavy metal resistance clusters from nik, ars, czc, mnt, ter, cop, cad, and znu operons were identified.

Contribution of S-layer proteins to the mosquitocidal activity of Lysinibacillus sphaericus

Lysinibacillus sphaericus strains belonging the antigenic group H5a5b produce spores with larvicidal activity against larvae of Culex mosquitoes. C7, a new isolated strain, which presents similar biochemical characteristics and Bin toxins in their spores as the reference strain 2362, was, however, more active against larvae of Culex mosquitoes. The contribution of the surface layer protein (S-layer) to this behaviour was envisaged since this envelope protein has been implicated in the pathogenicity of several bacilli, and we had previously reported its association to spores. Microscopic observation by immunofluorescence detection with anti S-layer antibody in the spores confirms their attachment. S-layers and BinA and BinB toxins formed high molecular weight multimers in spores as shown by SDS-PAGE and western blot detection. Purified S-layer from both L. sphaericus C7 and 2362 strain cultures was by itself toxic against Culex sp larvae, however, that from C7 strain was also toxic against Aedes aegypti. Synergistic effect between purified S-layer and spore-crystal preparations was observed against Culex sp. and Aedes aegypti larvae. This effect was more evident with the C7 strain. In silico analyses of the S-layer sequence suggest the presence of chitin-binding and hemolytic domains. Both biochemical characteristics were detected for both S-layers strains that must justify their contribution to pathogenicity.

S-layers: principles and applications

Monomolecular arrays of protein or glycoprotein subunits forming surface layers (S-layers) are one of the most commonly observed prokaryotic cell envelope components. S-layers are generally the most abundantly expressed proteins, have been observed in species of nearly every taxonomical group of walled bacteria, and represent an almost universal feature of archaeal envelopes. The isoporous lattices completely covering the cell surface provide organisms with various selection advantages including functioning as protective coats, molecular sieves and ion traps, as structures involved in surface recognition and cell adhesion, and as antifouling layers. S-layers are also identified to contribute to virulence when present as a structural component of pathogens. In Archaea, most of which possess S-layers as exclusive wall component, they are involved in determining cell shape and cell division. Studies on structure, chemistry, genetics, assembly, function, and evolutionary relationship of S-layers revealed considerable application potential in (nano)biotechnology, biomimetics, biomedicine, and synthetic biology.

Analysis of the interaction between Bacillus coagulans and Bacillus thuringiensis S-layers and calcium ions by XRD, light microscopy, and FTIR

S-layer is a self-assemble regularly crystalline surface that covers major cell wall component of many bacteria and archaea and exhibits a high metal-binding capacity. We have studied the effect of the calcium ions and type of solid support (glass or mica) on the structure of the S-layers from Bacillus coagulans HN-68 and Bacillus thuringiensis MH14 upon simple methods based on light microscopy and AFM. Furthermore, the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) study is indicated that the calcium-S-layer interaction occurred mainly through the carboxylate groups of the side chains of aspartic acid (Asp) and glutamic acid (Glu) and nitrogen atoms of Lys, Asn, and histidine (His) amino acids and N-H groups of the peptide backbone. Studied FTIR revealed that inner faces of S-layer are mainly negative, and outer faces of S-layer are mainly positive. Probably, calcium ions with positive charges bound to the carboxyl groups of Glu and Asp. Accordingly, calcium ions are anchored in the space between the inner faces of S-layer with negative charge and the surface of mica with negative charge. This leads to regular arrangement of the S-layer subunits.

Biogeochemical behaviour and bioremediation of uranium in waters of abandoned mines

The discharges of uranium and associated radionuclides as well as heavy metals and metalloids from waste and tailing dumps in abandoned uranium mining and processing sites pose contamination risks to surface and groundwater. Although many more are being planned for nuclear energy purposes, most of the abandoned uranium mines are a legacy of uranium production that fuelled arms race during the cold war of the last century. Since the end of cold war, there have been efforts to rehabilitate the mining sites, initially, using classical remediation techniques based on high chemical and civil engineering. Recently, bioremediation technology has been sought as alternatives to the classical approach due to reasons, which include: (a) high demand of sites requiring remediation; (b) the economic implication of running and maintaining the facilities due to high energy and work force demand; and (c) the pattern and characteristics of contaminant discharges in most of the former uranium mining and processing sites prevents the use of classical methods. This review discusses risks of uranium contamination from abandoned uranium mines from the biogeochemical point of view and the potential and limitation of uranium bioremediation technique as alternative to classical approach in abandoned uranium mining and processing sites.

Fungi outcompete bacteria under increased uranium concentration in culture media

As a key part of water management at the Ranger Uranium Mine (Northern Territory, Australia), stockpile (ore and waste) runoff water was applied to natural woodland on the mine lease in accordance with regulatory requirements. Consequently, the soil in these Land Application Areas (LAAs) presents a range of uranium concentrations. Soil samples were collected from LAAs with different concentrations of uranium and extracts were plated onto LB media containing no (0 ppm), low (3 ppm), medium (250 ppm), high (600 ppm) and very high (1500 ppm) uranium concentrations. These concentrations were similar to the range of measured uranium concentrations in the LAAs soils. Bacteria grew on all plates except for the very high uranium concentrations, where only fungi were recovered. Identifications based on bacterial 16S rRNA sequence analysis showed that the dominant cultivable bacteria belonged to the genus Bacillus. Members of the genera Paenibacillus, Lysinibacillus, Klebsiella, Microbacterium and Chryseobacterium were also isolated from the LAAs soil samples. Fungi were identified by sequence analysis of the intergenic spacer region, and members of the genera Aspergillus, Cryptococcus, Penicillium and Curvularia were dominant on plates with very high uranium concentrations. Members of the Paecilomyces and Alternaria were also present but in lower numbers. These findings indicate that fungi can tolerate very high concentrations of uranium and are more resistant than bacteria. Bacteria and fungi isolated at the Ranger LAAs from soils with high concentrations of uranium may have uranium binding capability and hence the potential for uranium bioremediation.

Lactobacillus surface layer proteins: structure, function and applications

Bacterial surface (S) layers are the outermost proteinaceous cell envelope structures found on members of nearly all taxonomic groups of bacteria and Archaea. They are composed of numerous identical subunits forming a symmetric, porous, lattice-like layer that completely covers the cell surface. The subunits are held together and attached to cell wall carbohydrates by non-covalent interactions, and they spontaneously reassemble in vitro by an entropy-driven process. Due to the low amino acid sequence similarity among S-layer proteins in general, verification of the presence of an S-layer on the bacterial cell surface usually requires electron microscopy. In lactobacilli, S-layer proteins have been detected on many but not all species. Lactobacillus S-layer proteins differ from those of other bacteria in their smaller size and high predicted pI. The positive charge in Lactobacillus S-layer proteins is concentrated in the more conserved cell wall binding domain, which can be either N- or C-terminal depending on the species. The more variable domain is responsible for the self-assembly of the monomers to a periodic structure. The biological functions of Lactobacillus S-layer proteins are poorly understood, but in some species S-layer proteins mediate bacterial adherence to host cells or extracellular matrix proteins or have protective or enzymatic functions. Lactobacillus S-layer proteins show potential for use as antigen carriers in live oral vaccine design because of their adhesive and immunomodulatory properties and the general non-pathogenicity of the species.

Bioremediation of mine water

Caused by the oxidative dissolution of sulfide minerals, mine waters are often acidic and contaminated with high concentrations of sulfates, metals, and metalloids. Because the so-called acid mine drainage (AMD) affects the environment or poses severe problems for later use, treatment of these waters is required. Therefore, various remediation strategies have been developed to remove soluble metals and sulfates through immobilization using physical, chemical, and biological approaches. Conventionally, iron and sulfate-the main pollutants in mine waters-are removed by addition of neutralization reagents and subsequent chemical iron oxidation and sulfate mineral precipitation. Biological treatment strategies take advantage of the ability of microorganisms that occur in mine waters to metabolize iron and sulfate. As a rule, these can be grouped into oxidative and reductive processes, reflecting the redox state of mobilized iron (reduced form) and sulfur (oxidized form) in AMD. Changing the redox states of iron and sulfur results in iron and sulfur compounds with low solubility, thus leading to their precipitation and removal. Various techniques have been developed to enhance the efficacy of these microbial processes, as outlined in this review.

Modulating uranium binding affinity in engineered calmodulin EF-hand peptides: effect of phosphorylation

To improve our understanding of uranium toxicity, the determinants of uranyl affinity in proteins must be better characterized. In this work, we analyzed the contribution of a phosphoryl group on uranium binding affinity in a protein binding site, using the site 1 EF-hand motif of calmodulin. The recombinant domain 1 of calmodulin from A. thaliana was engineered to impair metal binding at site 2 and was used as a structured template. Threonine at position 9 of the loop was phosphorylated in vitro, using the recombinant catalytic subunit of protein kinase CK2. Hence, the T₉TKE₁₂ sequence was substituted by the CK2 recognition sequence TAAE. A tyrosine was introduced at position 7, so that uranyl and calcium binding affinities could be determined by following tyrosine fluorescence. Phosphorylation was characterized by ESI-MS spectrometry, and the phosphorylated peptide was purified to homogeneity using ion-exchange chromatography. The binding constants for uranyl were determined by competition experiments with iminodiacetate. At pH 6, phosphorylation increased the affinity for uranyl by a factor of ∼5, from K_d = 25±6 nM to K_d = 5±1 nM. The phosphorylated peptide exhibited a much larger affinity at pH 7, with a dissociation constant in the subnanomolar range (K_d = 0.25±0.06 nM). FTIR analyses showed that the phosphothreonine side chain is partly protonated at pH 6, while it is fully deprotonated at pH 7. Moreover, formation of the uranyl-peptide complex at pH 7 resulted in significant frequency shifts of the ν_as(P-O) and ν_s(P-O) IR modes of phosphothreonine, supporting its direct interaction with uranyl. Accordingly, a bathochromic shift in ν_as(UO₂)²⁺ vibration (from 923 cm⁻¹ to 908 cm⁻¹) was observed upon uranyl coordination to the phosphorylated peptide. Together, our data demonstrate that the phosphoryl group plays a determining role in uranyl binding affinity to proteins at physiological pH.

Uranium and other heavy metal resistance and accumulation in bacteria isolated from uranium mine wastes

Ten bacterial strains isolated from uranium mine wastes were characterized in terms of their uranium and other metal resistance and accumulation. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis identified the strains as members of genera Bacillus, Serratia, and Arthrobacter. Strains were able to utilize various carbon sources, particularly aromatic hydrocarbons, grow at broad pH and temperature ranges and produce non specific acid phosphatase relevant for metal phosphate precipitation in contaminated environment. The isolates exhibited high uranium and other heavy metals (Ni, Co, Cu and Cd) resistance and accumulation capacities. Particularly, Arthrobacter sp. J001 and Bacillus sp. J003 were superior in terms of U resistance at low pH (pH 4.0) along with metals and actinides (U and Th) removal with maximum cell loading of 1088 μmol U, 1293 μmol Th, 425 μmol Cu, 305 μmol Cd, 377 μmol Zn, 250 μmol Ni g(-1) cell dry wt. Genes encoding P(1B)-type ATPases (Cu-CPx and Zn-CPx) and ABC transporters (nik) as catalytic tools for maintaining cellular metal homeostasis were detected within several Bacillus spp., with possible incidence of horizontal gene transfer for the later gene showing phylogenetic lineage to α Proteobacteria members. The study provides evidence on intrinsic abilities of indigenous bacteria from U-mine suitable for survival and cleaning up of contaminated mine sites.

Isolation and characterization of environmental bacteria capable of extracellular biosorption of mercury

Accumulation of toxic metals in the environment represents a public health and wildlife concern. Bacteria resistant to toxic metals constitute an attractive biomass for the development of systems to decontaminate soils, sediments, or waters. In particular, biosorption of metals within the bacterial cell wall or secreted extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) is an emerging process for the bioremediation of contaminated water. Here the isolation of bacteria from soil, effluents, and river sediments contaminated with toxic metals permitted the selection of seven bacterial isolates tolerant to mercury and associated with a mucoid phenotype indicative of the production of EPS. Inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy in conjunction with X-ray energy dispersive spectrometry revealed that bacteria incubated in the presence of HgCl2 sequestered mercury extracellularly as spherical or amorphous deposits. Killed bacterial biomass incubated in the presence of HgCl2 also generated spherical extracellular mercury deposits, with a sequestration capacity (40 to 120 mg mercury per g [dry weight] of biomass) superior to that of live bacteria (1 to 2 mg mercury per g [dry weight] of biomass). The seven strains were shown to produce EPS, which were characterized by Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and chemical analysis of neutral-carbohydrate, uronic acid, and protein contents. The results highlight the high potential of Hg-tolerant bacteria for applications in the bioremediation of mercury through biosorption onto the biomass surface or secreted EPS.

S-layer fusion proteins--construction principles and applications

Crystalline bacterial cell surface layers (S-layers) are the outermost cell envelope component of many bacteria and archaea. S-layers are monomolecular arrays composed of a single protein or glycoprotein species and represent the simplest biological membrane developed during evolution. The wealth of information available on the structure, chemistry, genetics and assembly of S-layers revealed a broad spectrum of applications in nanobiotechnology and biomimetics. By genetic engineering techniques, specific functional domains can be incorporated in S-layer proteins while maintaining the self-assembly capability. These techniques have led to new types of affinity structures, microcarriers, enzyme membranes, diagnostic devices, biosensors, vaccines, as well as targeting, delivery and encapsulation systems.

Isolation and analyses of uranium tolerant Serratia marcescens strains and their utilization for aerobic uranium U(VI) bioadsorption

Enrichment-based methods targeted at uranium-tolerant populations among the culturable, aerobic, chemo-heterotrophic bacteria from the subsurface soils of Domiasiat (India's largest sandstone-type uranium deposits, containing an average ore grade of 0.1 % U(3)O(8)), indicated a wide occurrence of Serratia marcescens. Five representative S. marcescens isolates were characterized by a polyphasic taxonomic approach. The phylogenetic analyses of 16S rRNA gene sequences showed their relatedness to S. marcescens ATCC 13880 (≥99.4% similarity). Biochemical characteristics and random amplified polymorphic DNA profiles revealed significant differences among the representative isolates and the type strain as well. The minimum inhibitory concentration for uranium U(VI) exhibited by these natural isolates was found to range from 3.5-4.0 mM. On evaluation for their uranyl adsorption properties, it was found that all these isolates were able to remove nearly 90-92% (21-22 mg/L) and 60-70% (285-335 mg/L) of U(VI) on being challenged with 100 μM (23.8 mg/L) and 2 mM (476 mg/L) uranyl nitrate solutions, respectively, at pH 3.5 within 10 min of exposure. his capacity was retained by the isolates even after 24 h of incubation. Viability tests confirmed the tolerance of these isolates to toxic concentrations of soluble uranium U(VI) at pH 3.5. This is among the first studies to report uranium-tolerant aerobic chemoheterotrophs obtained from the pristine uranium ore-bearing site of Domiasiat.

Precious metal recovery by selective adsorption using biosorbents

Silk sericin and chitosan biosorbents are low cost and highly efficient biosorbents derived from waste biomass. Both biosorbents displayed good capacity and excellent selectivity for gold adsorption. Silk sericin and chitosan adsorbed respectively 1 and 3.3mmolg(-1) of gold and have K(d) values of 450 and 34,000, respectively. Experimental evidence showed that gold adsorbed on the amide groups of the silk sericin, while gold and copper adsorbed on the amino groups of chitosan via charge-interactions and complexation. Binary (Au-Cu), five (Au-Co-Ni-Cu-Zn) and six (Au-Pd-Co-Ni-Cu-Zn) component separations consistently showed that silk sericin has better selectivity (Sel(Au)>2.4) than chitosan. It is possible to recover gold at 99.5% purity by silk sericin and 90% if the solution contained palladium.

Biosensing for the environment and defence: aqueous uranyl detection using bacterial surface layer proteins

The fabrication of novel uranyl (UO(2)(2+)) binding protein based sensors is reported. The new biosensor responds to picomolar levels of aqueous uranyl ions within minutes using Lysinibacillus sphaericus JG-A12 S-layer protein tethered to gold electrodes. In comparison to traditional self assembled monolayer based biosensors the porous bioconjugated layer gave greater stability, longer electrode life span and a denser protein layer. Biosensors responded specifically to UO(2)(2+) ions and showed minor interference from Ni(2+), Cs(+), Cd(2+) and Co(2+). Chemical modification of JG-A12 protein phosphate and carboxyl groups prevented UO(2)(2+) binding, showing that both moieties are involved in the recognition to UO(2)(2+).

Biogeochemical controls on the corrosion of depleted uranium alloy in subsurface soils

Military activities have left a legacy of depleted uranium (DU) penetrator waste in the near-surface terrestrial environment. To understand the fate of this DU alloy, the mechanisms and controlling factors of corrosion need to be determined. In this study, field-moist and waterlogged microcosms were used to investigate the effect of redox conditions and soil water content on the corrosion and fate of DU in subsurface soil, and the impact of corroding DU on the soil microbial population. The mechanism of corrosion and the corrosion products formed were highly dependent on the water status of the soil. Under field-moist conditions, DU corroded at a rate of 0.49 +/- 0.06 g cm(-2) y(-1) and the main U input to surrounding soil was large metaschoepite [(UO2)8O2(OH)12 x (H2O)10] particles. However, underwaterlogged conditions the rate of corrosion was significantly slower at 0.01-0.02 g cm(-2) y(-1) and occurred with the release of dissolved species to the surrounding environment. Corrosion ceases under reducing conditions, thus redox conditions are important in determining the persistence of penetrators in the environment. Corroding DU alters the redox conditions in the surrounding environment and both mechanisms of corrosion impact the microbial community.

Characterization of a metal resistant Pseudomonas sp. isolated from uranium mine for its potential in heavy metal (Ni2+, Co2+, Cu2+, and Cd2+) sequestration

Heavy metal sequestration by a multimetal resistant Pseudomonas strain isolated from a uranium mine was characterized for its potential application in metal bioremediation. 16S rRNA gene analysis revealed phylogenetic relatedness of this isolate to Pseudomonas fluorescens. Metal uptake by this bacterium was monophasic, fast saturating, concentration and pH dependent with maximum loading of 1048 nmol Ni(2+) followed by 845 nmol Co(2+), 828 nmol Cu(2+) and 700 nmol Cd(2+)mg(-1) dry wt. Preferential metal deposition in cell envelope was confirmed by TEM and cell fractionation. FTIR spectroscopy and EDX analysis revealed a major role of carboxyl and phosphoryl groups along with a possible ion exchange mechanism in cation binding. Binary system demonstrated selective metal binding affinity in the order of Cu(2+)>Ni(2+)>Co(2+)>Cd(2+). A comparison with similar metal uptake reports considering live bacteria strongly indicated the superiority of this strain in metal sequestration, which could be useful for developing efficient metal removal system.

Bacteria-based controlled assembly of metal chalcogenide hollow nanostructures with enhanced light-harvesting and photocatalytic properties

Herein, a general bottom-up approach is proposed for the controlled assembly of metal chalcogenide nanoparticles into biomorphic porous hollow nanostructures by a sonochemical method using bacteria as morph-biotemplates. Biomorphic PbS and ZnS hollow nanostructures have been successfully synthesized with two species of bacteria cocci and bacillus as morph-templates. The biomorphic hollow assemblies possess shape-controllable, size-tunable and shell-thickness-adjustable characteristics. Thus, the structure and morphology of the hollow assemblies may be varied in a controllable way to tailor their properties over a broad range. A preliminary study on the light-harvesting properties of PbS and ZnS hollow spheres revealed that the hollow and porous structure is clearly far more favorable for the absorption of light than solid counterparts, which accounts for both multiple scattering effects at the large voids (hollow cavities) and Rayleigh scattering by nanovoids of the exterior shells. Furthermore, photocatalytic studies of ZnS nanostructures by degradation of acid fuchsine under solar irradiation have proved that the hollow structures possess superior photocatalytic activity to the corresponding solid counterparts. This versatile approach provides an effective route for the further extensive study of the distinct properties imparted by hollow nanostructures and extends their application potentials in photocatalysis and solar energy storage/conversion.

Sustained removal of uranium from contaminated groundwater following stimulation of dissimilatory metal reduction

Previous field studies on in situ bioremediation of uranium-contaminated groundwater in an aquifer in Rifle, Colorado identified two distinct phases following the addition of acetate to stimulate microbial respiration. In phase I, Geobacter species are the predominant organisms, Fe(III) is reduced, and microbial reduction of soluble U(VI) to insoluble U(IV) removes uranium from the groundwater. In phase II, Fe(III) is depleted, sulfate is reduced, and sulfate-reducing bacteria predominate. Long-term monitoring revealed an unexpected third phase during which U(VI) removal continues even after acetate additions are stopped. All three of these phases were successfully reproduced in flow-through sediment columns. When sediments from the third phase were heat sterilized, the capacity for U(VI) removal was lost. In the live sediments U(VI) removed from the groundwater was recovered as U(VI) in the sediments. This contrasts to the recovery of U(IV) in sediments resulting from the reduction of U(VI) to U(IV) during the Fe(III) reduction phase in acetate-amended sediments. Analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences in the sediments in which U(VI) was being adsorbed indicated that members of the Firmicutes were the predominant organisms whereas no Firmicutes sequences were detected in background sediments which did not have the capacity to sorb U(VI), suggesting that the U(VI) adsorption might be due to the presence of these living organisms or at least their intact cell components. This unexpected enhanced adsorption of U(VI) onto sediments following the stimulation of microbial growth in the subsurface may potentially enhance the cost effectiveness of in situ uranium bioremediation.

Complete genome sequence of the mosquitocidal bacterium Bacillus sphaericus C3-41 and comparison with those of closely related Bacillus species

Bacillus sphaericus strain C3-41 is an aerobic, mesophilic, spore-forming bacterium that has been used with great success in mosquito control programs worldwide. Genome sequencing revealed that the complete genome of this entomopathogenic bacterium is composed of a chromosomal replicon of 4,639,821 bp and a plasmid replicon of 177,642 bp, containing 4,786 and 186 potential protein-coding sequences, respectively. Comparison of the genome with other published sequences indicated that the B. sphaericus C3-41 chromosome is most similar to that of Bacillus sp. strain NRRL B-14905, a marine species that, like B. sphaericus, is unable to metabolize polysaccharides. The lack of key enzymes and sugar transport systems in the two bacteria appears to be the main reason for this inability, and the abundance of proteolytic enzymes and transport systems may endow these bacteria with exclusive metabolic pathways for a wide variety of organic compounds and amino acids. The genes shared between B. sphaericus C3-41 and Bacillus sp. strain NRRL B-14905, including mobile genetic elements, membrane-associated proteins, and transport systems, demonstrated that these two species are a biologically and phylogenetically divergent group. Knowledge of the genome sequence of B. sphaericus C3-41 thus increases our understanding of the bacilli and may also offer prospects for future genetic improvement of this important biological control agent.

Construction of an S-layer protein exhibiting modified self-assembling properties and enhanced metal binding capacities

The functional S-layer protein gene slfB of the uranium mining waste pile isolate Bacillus sphaericus JG-A12 was cloned as a polymerase chain reaction product into the expression vector pET Lic/Ek 30 and heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli Bl21(DE3). The addition of His tags to the N and C termini enabled the purification of the recombinant protein by Ni-chelating chromatography. The Ni binding capacity of the His-tagged recombinant S-layer protein was compared with that of the wild-type S layer. The inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry analyses demonstrate a significantly enhanced Ni binding capability of the recombinant protein. In addition, the self-assembling properties of the purified modified S-layer proteins were studied by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Whereas the wild-type S-layer proteins re-assembled into regular cylindric structures, the recombinant S-layer proteins reassembled into regular sheets that formed globular agglomerating structures. The nanoporous structure of the protein meshwork, together with its enhanced Ni binding capacity, makes the recombinant S-layer attractive as a novel self-assembling biological template for the fabrication of metal nanoclusters and construction of nanomaterials that are of technical interest.

Manufacturing and characterization of Pd nanoparticles formed on immobilized bacterial cells

AIMS

To fabricate and analyse Pd nanoparticles on immobilized bacterial cells.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Biological ceramic composites (biocers) were used as a template to produce Pd(0) nanoparticles. The metal-binding cells of the uranium mining waste pile isolate, Bacillus sphaericus JG-A12 were used as a biological component of the biocers and immobilized by using sol-gel technology. Vegetative cells and surface-layer proteins of this strain are known to bind high amounts of Pd(II) that can be reduced to Pd(0) particles by the addition of a reducing agent. Sorption of Pd(II) by the biocers from a metal complex solution was studied by inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy analyses. After embedding into sol-gel ceramics, the cells retained their Pd(II)-binding capability. Pd(0) nanoclusters were produced by the addition of hydrogen as reducing agent after the sorption of Pd(II). The interactions of Pd(0) with the biocers and the formed Pd(0) nanoparticles were investigated by extended X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy. The particles had a size of 0.6-0.8 nm.

CONCLUSIONS

Bacterial cells that were immobilized by embedding into sol-gel ceramics were used as a template to produce Pd nanoclusters of a size smaller than 1 nm. These particles possess interesting physical and chemical properties.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The use of embedded bacterial cells as template enabled the fabrication of immobilized Pd(0) nanoparticles. These particles are highly interesting for technical applications, such as the development of novel catalysts.

Secondary structure and Pd(II) coordination in S-layer proteins from Bacillus sphaericus studied by infrared and X-ray absorption spectroscopy

The S-layer of Bacillus sphaericus strain JG-A12, isolated from a uranium-mining site, exhibits a high metal-binding capacity, indicating that it may provide a protective function by preventing the cellular uptake of heavy metals and radionuclides. This property has allowed the use of this and other S-layers as self-assembling organic templates for the synthesis of nanosized heavy metal cluster arrays. However, little is known about the molecular basis of the metal-protein interactions and their impact on secondary structure. We have studied the secondary structure, protein stability, and Pd((II)) coordination in S-layers from the B. sphaericus strains JG-A12 and NCTC 9602 to elucidate the molecular basis of their biological function and of the metal nanocluster growth. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy reveals similar secondary structures, containing approximately 35% beta-sheets and little helical structure. pH-induced infrared absorption changes of the side-chain carboxylates evidence a remarkably low pK < 3 in both strains and a structural stabilization when Pd((II)) is bound. The COO(-)-stretching absorptions reveal a predominant Pd((II)) coordination by chelation/bridging by Asp and Glu residues. This agrees with XANES and EXAFS data revealing oxygens as coordinating atoms to Pd((II)). The additional participation of nitrogen is assigned to side chains rather than to the peptide backbone. The topology of nitrogen- and carboxyl-bearing side chains appears to mediate heavy metal binding to the large number of Asp and Glu in both S-layers at particularly low pH as an adaptation to the environment from which the strain JG-A12 has been isolated. These side chains are thus prime targets for the design of engineered S-layer-based nanoclusters.