Mechanism study of photo-induced gold nanoparticles formation by Shewanella oneidensis MR-1

Shewanella oneidensis MR-1, a bioelectricity generating bacterium, is broadly used in bioremediation, microbial fuel cell and dissimilatory reduction and recovery of precious metals. Herein, we report for the first time that photo induction as a trigger to stimulate gold nanoparticles (Au@NPs) formation by MR-1, with wavelength and light intensity as two key variables. Results indicated that sigmoidal model is the best fit for Au@NPs formation at various wavelengths (with R² > 0.97). Light intensity in terms of photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) critically influences the rate constant in the low-light intensity region (PPFD < 20), while wavelength controls the maximum rate constant in the high-light region (PPFD > 20). By deletion of Mtr pathway genes in MR-1, we proposed the mechanism for light induced Au@NP formation is the excitation effect of light on certain active groups and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) on the cell surface. Also, the release of electrons from proteins and co-enzyme complexes enhance electron generation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first-attempt to explore the effect of photo-induction on Au@NPs production by MR-1, which provides an alternative cost-effective and eco-friendly process in green chemical industry.