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Mineralization induced by phosphorylated dry baker's yeast
Yoshihiro Ojima1, Maya Kihara1, Mami Yoshida1
1Department of Applied Chemistry and Bioengineering, Osaka City University, Osaka, Japan.
Plos One
|September 25, 2020
Summary
Researchers discovered copper phosphate mineralization on yeast cells after long-term copper adsorption. This process, observed over seven days, shows potential for effective metal recovery and ion adsorption.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Materials Science
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Baker's yeast cells can be phosphorylated to enhance metal ion adsorption.
- Long-term adsorption processes can lead to the formation of mineral precipitates on cell surfaces.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mineralization of copper (Cu2+) on phosphorylated baker's yeast cells.
- To characterize the resulting mineral structures and understand the mineralization kinetics.
- To explore the potential of this method for metal recovery.
Main Methods:
- Phosphorylation of dry baker's yeast cells using sodium cyclo-triphosphate.
- Long-term adsorption of Cu2+ ions onto phosphorylated yeast cells.
- Characterization using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) with Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS).
- Synchrotron-based X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (XAFS) analysis.
Main Results:
- Copper mineralization confirmed, forming copper phosphate minerals (copper, phosphorus, oxygen).
- Mineral structure closely resembles commercial copper(II) phosphate (Cu3(PO4)2∙3H2O) but with low crystallinity and slight distortion.
- Mineralization initiated by Day 3 and plateaued by Day 7.
- Successful demonstration of rare earth ion (Dy3+) mineralization.
Conclusions:
- Mineralization occurs via local saturation of phosphate and Cu2+ on yeast cell surfaces.
- Phosphorylated yeast cells facilitate a common mineralization pathway for various metal ions.
- This technique offers a promising method for irreversible metal ion adsorption and recovery.
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