Influence of the bacterial growth phase on the magnetic properties of magnetosomes synthesized by Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense

Immobilizing lead in aqueous solution and loess soil using microbially induced carbonate/phosphate precipitation (MICP/MIPP) under harsh pH environments

The bioaccumulation of heavy metals due to metallurgical and smelting activities threatens human health. Although microbial-induced carbonate/phosphate precipitation (MICP/MIPP) technology has been applied to heavy metal remediation, the relative merits of MICP and MIPP, especially under extreme pH environments, have not yet been documented. In this study, Sporosarcina pasteurii (SP)-based MICP and Bacillus megaterium (BM)-based MIPP were applied to immobilize lead (Pb) in aqueous solution and loess soil. The results showed that the BM retained a strong phosphorolysis ability when under strongly acidic conditions, while the ureolysis ability of SP approached zero. Furthermore, the bioprecipitates obtained under BM-based MIPP had a denser appearance, presumably due to the enrichment of calcite and apatite crystals. The results also showed that Pb immobilization was achieved through bacterial adsorption, the chelate function of sodium glycerophosphate (SGP), large organic matter complexation, and biomineralization through the MICP/MIPP mechanism. Under SP-based MICP, SP and large organic matter immobilized Pb2+ at rates of 17.6 % and 31.7 %, respectively, while under BM-based MIPP, BM, organic matter, and SGP immobilized Pb2+ at rates of 21.5 %, 23.4 %, and 48.5 % respectively. The MICP and MIPP mechanisms dominated Pb immobilization at rates of 78.6 % and 99.6 %, respectively.

Temporal and spatial resolution of magnetosome degradation at the subcellular level in a 3D lung carcinoma model

Magnetic nanoparticles offer many exciting possibilities in biomedicine, from cell imaging to cancer treatment. One of the currently researched nanoparticles are magnetosomes, magnetite nanoparticles of high chemical purity synthesized by magnetotactic bacteria. Despite their therapeutic potential, very little is known about their degradation in human cells, and even less so of their degradation within tumours. In an effort to explore the potential of magnetosomes for cancer treatment, we have explored their degradation process in a 3D human lung carcinoma model at the subcellular level and with nanometre scale resolution. We have used state of the art hard X-ray probes (nano-XANES and nano-XRF), which allow for identification of distinct iron phases in each region of the cell. Our results reveal the progression of magnetite oxidation to maghemite within magnetosomes, and the biosynthesis of magnetite and ferrihydrite by ferritin.

Stabilization of Pb(II) in wastewater and tailings by commercial bacteria through microbially induced phosphate precipitation (MIPP)

Microbially induced phosphate precipitation (MIPP) is an effective and eco-friendly method for Pb(II) stabilization. The phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms (PSM) for MIPP are commonly isolated from Pb(II)-contaminated sites through a series of intricate and time-consuming enrichment and purification processes. This research used ready-made commercial bacteria to develop a simple MIPP process. Bacillus subtilis (BS, CCTCC AB 98002) was selected from two commercial PSM strains owing to more effective Pb(II) removal. Compared to the most isolated microorganisms, BS released more than twice as much inorganic phosphorus (Pi) as well as had a high-level Pb(II) tolerance. BS could remove >99% of Pb(II) from 500 mg/L Pb(II)-containing water at the optimal 0.05 M sodium glycerophosphate (SGP), pH 7-9, and ≤0.03 M MgCl₂, outperforming most isolated microorganisms. In addition, BS could mitigate the contamination risk of the lead‑zinc tailings, by reducing the readily leachable Pb(II) concentration from 0.81 mg/L (over the regulatory limit of 0.1 mg/L) to 0.00042 mg/L. The unstable Pb(II) in the solution and tailings was ultimately stabilized to Pb₅(PO₄)₃Cl after the SGP phosphorlysis and phosphate precipitation processes. In conclusion, commercial BS is a superior alternative to isolated microorganisms for MIPP on Pb(II) stabilization. The simple-processed and high-effective BS-based MIPP provides the MIPP method a new insight for widespread implementation in the remediation of heavy metals-containing wastewater, soil, and waste.

Tuning the Magnetic Response of Magnetospirillum magneticum by Changing the Culture Medium: A Straightforward Approach to Improve Their Hyperthermia Efficiency

Magnetotactic bacteria Magnetospirillum magneticum AMB-1 have been cultured using three different media: magnetic spirillum growth medium with Wolfe's mineral solution (MSGM + W), magnetic spirillum growth medium without Wolfe's mineral solution (MSGM - W), and flask standard medium (FSM). The influence of the culture medium on the structural, morphological, and magnetic characteristics of the magnetosome chains biosynthesized by these bacteria has been investigated by using transmission electron microscopy, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, and X-ray magnetic circular dichroism. All bacteria exhibit similar average size for magnetosomes, 40-45 nm, but FSM bacteria present slightly longer subchains. In MSGM + W bacteria, Co²⁺ ions present in the medium substitute Fe²⁺ ions in octahedral positions with a total Co doping around 4-5%. In addition, the magnetic response of these bacteria has been thoroughly studied as functions of both the temperature and the applied magnetic field. While MSGM - W and FSM bacteria exhibit similar magnetic behavior, in the case of MSGM + W, the incorporation of the Co ions affects the magnetic response, in particular suppressing the Verwey (∼105 K) and low temperature (∼40 K) transitions and increasing the coercivity and remanence. Moreover, simulations based on a Stoner-Wolhfarth model have allowed us to reproduce the experimentally obtained magnetization versus magnetic field loops, revealing clear changes in different anisotropy contributions for these bacteria depending on the employed culture medium. Finally, we have related how these magnetic changes affect their heating efficiency by using AC magnetometric measurements. The obtained AC hysteresis loops, measured with an AC magnetic field amplitude of up to 90 mT and a frequency, f, of 149 kHz, reveal the influence of the culture medium on the heating properties of these bacteria: below 35 mT, MSGM - W bacteria are the best heating mediators, but above 60 mT, FSM and MSGM + W bacteria give the best heating results, reaching a maximum heating efficiency or specific absorption rate (SAR) of SAR/f ≈ 12 W g^-1 kHz^-1.

Modifying the magnetic response of magnetotactic bacteria: incorporation of Gd and Tb ions into the magnetosome structure

Magnetotactic bacteria Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense MSR-1 biosynthesise chains of cube-octahedral magnetosomes, which are 40 nm magnetite high quality (Fe3O4) nanoparticles. The magnetic properties of these crystalline magnetite nanoparticles, which can be modified by the addition of other elements into the magnetosome structure (doping), are of prime interest in a plethora of applications, those related to cancer therapy being some of the most promising ones. Although previous studies have focused on transition metal elements, rare earth (RE) elements are very interesting as doping agents, both from a fundamental point of view (e.g. significant differences in ionic sizes) and for the potential applications, especially in biomedicine (e.g. magnetic resonance imaging and luminescence). In this work, we have investigated the impact of Gd and Tb on the magnetic properties of magnetosomes by using different complementary techniques. X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy analyses have revealed that a small amount of RE ions, ∼3-4%, incorporate into the Fe3O4 structure as Gd3+ and Tb3+ ions. The experimental magnetic characterisation has shown a clear Verwey transition for the RE-doped bacteria, located at T ∼ 100 K, which is slightly below the one corresponding to the undoped ones (106 K). However, we report a decrease in the coercivity and remanence of the RE-doped bacteria. Simulations based on the Stoner-Wohlfarth model have allowed us to associate these changes in the magnetic response with a reduction of the magnetocrystalline (K C) and, especially, the uniaxial (K uni) anisotropies below the Verwey transition. In this way, K uni reaches a value of 23 and 26 kJ m-3 for the Gd- and Tb-doped bacteria, respectively, whilst a value of 37 kJ m-3 is obtained for the undoped bacteria.

Biogenic Ferrihydrite Nanoparticles Produced by Klebsiella oxytoca: Characterization, Physicochemical Properties and Bovine Serum Albumin Interactions

The synthesis of nanoparticles inside microorganisms is an economical alternative to chemical and physical methods of nanoparticle synthesis. In this study, ferrihydrite nanoparticles synthesized by Klebsiella oxytoca bacterium in special conditions were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDS), small-angle X-ray (SAXS), UV-Vis spectroscopy, fluorescence, fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), and molecular docking. The morphology and the structure of the particles were characterized by means of SEM and SAXS. The elemental content was determined by means of the EDS method. The absorption properties of the ferrihydrite nanoparticles were investigated by UV-Vis spectroscopy. The binding mechanism of the biogenic ferrihydrite nanoparticles to Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) protein, studied by fluorescence, showed a static and weak process, combined with FRET. Protein denaturation by temperature and urea in the presence of the ferrihydrite nanoparticles demonstrated their influence on the unfolding process. The AutoDock Vina and UCSF Chimera programs were used to predict the optimal binding site of the ferrihydrite to BSA and to find the location of the hydrophobic cavities in the sub-domain IIA of the BSA structure.

Enriched Synthesis of Magnetosomes by Expanding the Magnetospirillum magneticum AMB-1 Culture at Optimal Iron Concentration

The Magnetospirillum magneticum AMB-1 species is one of the most widely used magnetotactic bacterial strains for producing magnetosomes under laboratory conditions. Nevertheless, there exist several challenges in expanding and purifying the AMB-1 culture due to the restricted culture conditions. In an attempt to enrich the production of magnetosomes, this study reports the utilization of fermenter culture, which substantially promotes the cell densities at different concentrations of iron content. The experimental results confirmed magnetosomes’ high yield (production rate of 21.1 mg L−1) at the iron content of 0.2 μmol L−1. Moreover, different characterization techniques systematically confirmed the coated lipid membrane, particle size, dispersity, stability, and elemental composition of magnetosomes. Notably, the fermenter culture-based process resulted in highly discrete, dispersed, and stable magnetosomes with an average particle diameter of 50 nm and presented the integrated lipid membrane around the surface. The chemical composition by EDS of magnetosomes represented the presence of various elements, i.e., C, O, Na, P, and Fe, at appropriate proportions. In conclusion, the culture method in our study effectively provides a promising approach towards the culture of the magnetotactic bacterium for the enriched production of magnetosomes.

Iron Oxide Nanorings and Nanotubes for Magnetic Hyperthermia: The Problem of Intraparticle Interactions

Magnetic interactions can play an important role in the heating efficiency of magnetic nanoparticles. Although most of the time interparticle magnetic interactions are a dominant source, in specific cases such as multigranular nanostructures intraparticle interactions are also relevant and their effect is significant. In this work, we have prepared two different multigranular magnetic nanostructures of iron oxide, nanorings (NRs) and nanotubes (NTs), with a similar thickness but different lengths (55 nm for NRs and 470 nm for NTs). In this way, we find that the NTs present stronger intraparticle interactions than the NRs. Magnetometry and transverse susceptibility measurements show that the NTs possess a higher effective anisotropy and saturation magnetization. Despite this, the AC hysteresis loops obtained for the NRs (0-400 Oe, 300 kHz) are more squared, therefore giving rise to a higher heating efficiency (maximum specific absorption rate, SARmax = 110 W/g for the NRs and 80 W/g for the NTs at 400 Oe and 300 kHz). These results indicate that the weaker intraparticle interactions in the case of the NRs are in favor of magnetic hyperthermia in comparison with the NTs.

Recent Advances in the Development of Magnetic Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications

The unique properties of magnetic nanoparticles have led them to be considered materials with significant potential in the biomedical field. Nanometric size, high surface-area ratio, ability to function at molecular level, exceptional magnetic and physicochemical properties, and more importantly, the relatively easy tailoring of all these properties to the specific requirements of the different biomedical applications, are some of the key factors of their success. In this paper, we will provide an overview of the state of the art of different aspects of magnetic nanoparticles, specially focusing on their use in biomedicine. We will explore their magnetic properties, synthetic methods and surface modifications, as well as their most significative physicochemical properties and their impact on the in vivo behaviour of these particles. Furthermore, we will provide a background on different applications of magnetic nanoparticles in biomedicine, such as magnetic drug targeting, magnetic hyperthermia, imaging contrast agents or theranostics. Besides, current limitations and challenges of these materials, as well as their future prospects in the biomedical field will be discussed.

Improved methods for mass production of magnetosomes and applications: a review

Magnetotactic bacteria have the unique ability to synthesize magnetosomes (nano-sized magnetite or greigite crystals arranged in chain-like structures) in a variety of shapes and sizes. The chain alignment of magnetosomes enables magnetotactic bacteria to sense and orient themselves along geomagnetic fields. There is steadily increasing demand for magnetosomes in the areas of biotechnology, biomedicine, and environmental protection. Practical difficulties in cultivating magnetotactic bacteria and achieving consistent, high-yield magnetosome production under artificial environmental conditions have presented an obstacle to successful development of magnetosome applications in commercial areas. Here, we review information on magnetosome biosynthesis and strategies for enhancement of bacterial cell growth and magnetosome formation, and implications for improvement of magnetosome yield on a laboratory scale and mass-production (commercial or industrial) scale.

Elucidating the role of shape anisotropy in faceted magnetic nanoparticles using biogenic magnetosomes as a model

Shape anisotropy is of primary importance to understand the magnetic behavior of nanoparticles, but a rigorous analysis in polyhedral morphologies is missing. In this work, a model based on finite element techniques has been developed to calculate the shape anisotropy energy landscape for cubic, octahedral, and truncated-octahedral morphologies. In all cases, a cubic shape anisotropy is found that evolves to quasi-uniaxial anisotropy when the nanoparticle is elongated ≥2%. This model is tested on magnetosomes, ∼45 nm truncated octahedral magnetite nanoparticles forming a chain inside Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense MSR-1 bacteria. This chain presents a slightly bent helical configuration due to a 20° tilting of the magnetic moment of each magnetosome out of chain axis. Electron cryotomography images reveal that these magnetosomes are not ideal truncated-octahedrons but present ≈7.5% extrusion of one of the {001} square faces and ≈10% extrusion of an adjacent {111} hexagonal face. Our model shows that this deformation gives rise to a quasi-uniaxial shape anisotropy, a result of the combination of a uniaxial (Ksh-u = 7 kJ m-3) and a cubic (Ksh-c = 1.5 kJ m-3) contribution, which is responsible for the 20° tilting of the magnetic moment. Finally, our results have allowed us to accurately reproduce, within the framework of the Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert model, the experimental AC loops measured for these magnetotactic bacteria.

Magnetosomes could be protective shields against metal stress in magnetotactic bacteria

Magnetotactic bacteria are aquatic microorganisms with the ability to biomineralise membrane-enclosed magnetic nanoparticles, called magnetosomes. These magnetosomes are arranged into a chain that behaves as a magnetic compass, allowing the bacteria to align in and navigate along the Earth’s magnetic field lines. According to the magneto-aerotactic hypothesis, the purpose of producing magnetosomes is to provide the bacteria with a more efficient movement within the stratified water column, in search of the optimal positions that satisfy their nutritional requirements. However, magnetosomes could have other physiological roles, as proposed in this work. Here we analyse the role of magnetosomes in the tolerance of Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense MSR-1 to transition metals (Co, Mn, Ni, Zn, Cu). By exposing bacterial populations with and without magnetosomes to increasing concentrations of metals in the growth medium, we observe that the tolerance is significantly higher when bacteria have magnetosomes. The resistance mechanisms triggered in magnetosome-bearing bacteria under metal stress have been investigated by means of x-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy (XANES). XANES experiments were performed both on magnetosomes isolated from the bacteria and on the whole bacteria, aimed to assess whether bacteria use magnetosomes as metal storages, or whether they incorporate the excess metal in other cell compartments. Our findings reveal that the tolerance mechanisms are metal-specific: Mn, Zn and Cu are incorporated in both the magnetosomes and other cell compartments; Co is only incorporated in the magnetosomes, and Ni is incorporated in other cell compartments. In the case of Co, Zn and Mn, the metal is integrated in the magnetosome magnetite mineral core.

Probing the stability and magnetic properties of magnetosome chains in freeze-dried magnetotactic bacteria

Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense biosynthesize high-quality magnetite nanoparticles, called magnetosomes, and arrange them into a chain that behaves like a magnetic compass. Here we perform magnetometry and polarized small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) experiments on a powder of freeze-dried and immobilized M. gryphiswaldense. We confirm that the individual magnetosomes are single-domain nanoparticles and that an alignment of the particle moments along the magnetic field direction occurs exclusively by an internal, coherent rotation. Our magnetometry results of the bacteria powder indicate an absence of dipolar interactions between the particle chains and a dominant uniaxial magnetic anisotropy. Finally, we can verify by SANS that the chain structure within the immobilized, freeze-dried bacteria is preserved also after application of large magnetic fields up to 1 T.

Unlocking the Potential of Magnetotactic Bacteria as Magnetic Hyperthermia Agents

Magnetotactic bacteria are aquatic microorganisms that internally biomineralize chains of magnetic nanoparticles (called magnetosomes) and use them as a compass. Here it is shown that magnetotactic bacteria of the strain Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense present high potential as magnetic hyperthermia agents for cancer treatment. Their heating efficiency or specific absorption rate is determined using both calorimetric and AC magnetometry methods at different magnetic field amplitudes and frequencies. In addition, the effect of the alignment of the bacteria in the direction of the field during the hyperthermia experiments is also investigated. The experimental results demonstrate that the biological structure of the magnetosome chain of magnetotactic bacteria is perfect to enhance the hyperthermia efficiency. Furthermore, fluorescence and electron microscopy images show that these bacteria can be internalized by human lung carcinoma cells A549, and cytotoxicity studies reveal that they do not affect the viability or growth of the cancer cells. A preliminary in vitro hyperthermia study, working on clinical conditions, reveals that cancer cell proliferation is strongly affected by the hyperthermia treatment, making these bacteria promising candidates for biomedical applications.

Iron/iron oxide nanoparticles: advances in microbial fabrication, mechanism study, biomedical, and environmental applications

Microbially synthesized iron oxide nanoparticles (FeONPs) hold great potential for biomedical, clinical, and environmental applications owing to their several unique features. Biomineralization, a process that exists in almost every living organism playing a significant role in the fabrication of FeONPs through the involvement of 5-100 nm sized protein compartments such as dodecameric (Dps), ferritin, and encapsulin with their diameters 9, 12, and ∼32 nm, respectively. This contribution provides a detailed overview of the green synthesis of FeONPs by microbes and their applications in biomedical and environmental fields. The first part describes our understanding in the biological fabrication of zero-valent FeONPs with special emphasis on ferroxidase (FO) mediated series of steps involving in the translocation, oxidation, nucleation, and storage of iron in Dps, ferritin, and encapsulin protein nano-compartments. Secondly, this review elaborates the significance of biologically synthesized FeONPs in biomedical science for the detection, treatment, and prevention of various diseases. Thirdly, we tried to provide the recent advances of using FeONPs in the environmental process, e.g. detection, degradation, remediation and treatment of toxic pesticides, dyes, metals, and wastewater.

Biological synthesis of metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) by plants and microbes: their cellular uptake, biocompatibility, and biomedical applications

Metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) with their diverse physical and chemical properties have been applied in various biomedical domains. The increasing demand for MNPs has attracted researchers to develop straightforward, inexpensive, simple, and eco-friendly processes for the enhanced production of MNPs. To discover new biomedical applications first requires knowledge of the interactions of MNPs with target cells. This review focuses on plant and microbial synthesis of biological MNPs, their cellular uptake, biocompatibility, any biological consequences such as cytotoxicity, and biomedical applications. We highlighted the involvement of biomolecules in capping and stabilization of MNPs and the effect of physicochemical parameters particularly the pH on the synthesis of MNPs. Recently achieved milestones to understand the role of synthetic biology (SynBiol) in the synthesis of tailored MNPs are also discussed.