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Structural basis for metallic-like conductivity in microbial nanowires.

Nikhil S Malvankar, Madeline Vargas, Kelly Nevin1

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Geobacter sulfurreducens pili exhibit metallic-like conductivity due to aromatic amino acids. Structural analysis revealed a 3.2-Å spacing linked to this conductivity, supporting their role as electronically functional proteins.

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Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Biophysics
  • Materials Science

Background:

  • Geobacter sulfurreducens pili, known as microbial nanowires, facilitate long-range electron transport.
  • These pili exhibit metallic-like conductivity, a rare property for proteins, with implications for biogeochemical cycling and bioelectronics.
  • Previous homology models conflicted with experimental conductivity data.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the structural basis for the metallic-like conductivity of Geobacter sulfurreducens pili.
  • To resolve discrepancies between structural predictions and measured conductivity.
  • To provide insights for designing novel bioelectronic materials.

Main Methods:

  • Synchrotron X-ray microdiffraction and rocking-curve X-ray diffraction were employed.
  • Pili from wild-type and nonconductive mutant strains (Aro5) were analyzed.
  • Structural analysis was correlated with pH-dependent conductivity measurements.

Main Results:

  • A periodic 3.2-Å spacing was identified in conductive pili, absent in nonconductive pili lacking aromatic amino acids.
  • The intensity of the 3.2-Å peak showed a 100-fold increase with a pH shift that also increased conductivity 100-fold.
  • A revised homology model predicted aromatic amino acid packing consistent with experimental findings.

Conclusions:

  • The 3.2-Å spacing, attributed to overlapping π-orbitals of aromatic amino acids, is crucial for metallic-like conductivity.
  • Geobacter sulfurreducens pili represent a novel class of electronically functional proteins.
  • Experimental structural data are essential for accurate modeling and understanding protein conductivity.