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Paramagnetism in Bacillus spores: Opportunities for novel biotechnological applications

Ke Xu Zhou1, Adrian Ionescu2, Eamon Wan1

  • 1Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.

Biotechnology and Bioengineering
|December 6, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Bacillus spores possess unique magnetic properties due to manganese accumulation. These magnetic Bacillus spores show potential for biotechnological applications like magnetic separation and metal ion adsorption.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Biophysics
  • Materials Science

Background:

  • Bacillus spores are known for their resilience and diverse metabolic capabilities.
  • The intrinsic magnetic properties of microbial spores are not widely understood.
  • Manganese ions play crucial roles in various biological processes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the paramagnetic properties of Bacillus spores.
  • To determine the role of manganese accumulation in spore magnetism.
  • To explore potential biotechnological applications of magnetic Bacillus spores.

Main Methods:

  • Characterization of magnetic properties of Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus cereus, and Bacillus subtilis spores.
  • Quantification of manganese ions within the spore core and on the spore surface.
  • Assessment of spore-related biotechnological applications.

Main Results:

  • All three Bacillus species exhibited distinct paramagnetic properties linked to manganese quantity and valency.
  • Bacillus megaterium spores accumulated significant amounts of manganese (II) internally and on their surface.
  • Bacillus spores demonstrated magnetic susceptibilities in the range of 10^-6 to 10^-5 at room temperature.

Conclusions:

  • Manganese ion accumulation is responsible for the intrinsic paramagnetic properties of Bacillus spores.
  • Magnetic separation and metal ion adsorption are promising biotechnological applications for these spores.
Keywords:
Bacillusparamagnetismspores

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