Anaerobiosis favors biosynthesis of single and multi-element nanostructures

PLoS One. 2022 Oct 7;17(10):e0273392. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0273392. eCollection 2022.

Abstract

Herein we report the use of an environmental multimetal(loid)-resistant strain, MF05, to biosynthesize single- or multi-element nanostructures under anaerobic conditions. Inorganic nanostructure synthesis typically requires methodologies and conditions that are harsh and environmentally hazardous. Thus, green/eco-friendly procedures are desirable, where the use of microorganisms and their extracts as bionanofactories is a reliable strategy. First, MF05 was entirely sequenced and identified as an Escherichia coli-related strain with some genetic differences from the traditional BW25113. Secondly, we compared the CdS nanostructure biosynthesis by whole-cell in a design defined minimal culture medium containing sulfite as the only sulfur source to obtain sulfide reduction from a low-cost chalcogen reactant. Under anaerobic conditions, this process was greatly favored, and irregular CdS (ex. 370 nm; em. 520-530 nm) was obtained. When other chalcogenites were tested (selenite and tellurite), only spherical Se0 and elongated Te0 nanostructures were observed by TEM and analyzed by SEM-EDX. In addition, enzymatic-mediated chalcogenite (sulfite, selenite, and tellurite) reduction was assessed by using MF05 crude extracts in anaerobiosis; similar results for nanostructures were obtained; however Se0 and Te0 formation were more regular in shape and cleaner (with less background). Finally, the in vitro nanostructure biosynthesis was assessed with salts of Ag, Au, Cd, and Li alone or in combination with chalcogenites. Several single or binary nanostructures were detected. Our results showed that MF05 is a versatile anaerobic bionanofactory for different types of inorganic NS. synthesis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anaerobiosis
  • Cadmium
  • Complex Mixtures
  • Nanostructures* / chemistry
  • Salts*
  • Selenious Acid
  • Sulfides
  • Sulfites
  • Sulfur
  • Tellurium

Substances

  • Complex Mixtures
  • Salts
  • Sulfides
  • Sulfites
  • Cadmium
  • Sulfur
  • Selenious Acid
  • tellurous acid
  • Tellurium

Grants and funding

This work received financial support from FONDECYT (Fondo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología) Regular 1160051 (CV), National doctoral scholarship CONICYT (Comisión Nacional de Investigación Científica y Tecnológica) 21170508 (MR), support from USA1799 Vridei (Vicerrectoría de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación) 021943CV_GO Universidad de Santiago de Chile (MR, CV), Basal FB0807 CEDENNA (EV) and Centro de Genómica y Bioinformática, Universidad Mayor (JV) is also acknowledged.