Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 19, 2026

A Microfluidic Platform to Investigate Microbial Precipitation of Metal Oxides in Porous Media
Published on: June 12, 2026
Rock-making bacteria: manganese oxidation and biomineralization in pseudomonads
Kati Geszvain1, Hope Johnson2, Jasquelin Peña3,4
1Department of Biological Sciences, California State University Chico, Chico, California, USA.
Abstract:
The oxidation of manganese from Mn(II) to Mn(III) or Mn(IV) is a common trait in the Pseudomonas genus. Many pseudomonads oxidize Mn enzymatically using one or more multicopper oxidases (MnxG and McoA) and in some cases a heme peroxidase (MopA). The oxidation of Mn leads to the extracellular precipitation of reactive Mn oxides in association with extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). Here, we review the current state of knowledge on Mn oxidation and biomineralization in pseudomonads. While most of the genetic, biochemical, and physiological insights we present derive from studies on Pseudomonas putida GB-1, we also examine the mechanisms of Mn oxidation in other Mn-oxidizing pseudomonads and survey the potential for Mn oxidation across the genus through phylogenetic analysis. Although the physiological and microbial community function(s) for Mn oxidation and biomineralization have yet to be elucidated, we discuss possible roles for Mn oxidation and identify key knowledge gaps regarding the mechanism and function of this trait in the Pseudomonas genus.
Related Concept Videos
Microbes and Other Elemental Cycles
Acid Mine Drainage
Microbial Bioremediation of Uranium
Microbial Nutrition
Metabolism of Chemolithotrophs
Microbial Mats

