In situ monitoring of exopolymer-dependent Mn mineralization on bacterial surfaces
Thaïs Couasnon, Damien Alloyeau, Bénédicte Ménèz, François Guyot, Jean‐Marc Ghigo, Alexandre Gélabert
Abstract
mutants producing distinct exopolymers are investigated. We use the incident electron beam to provoke and observe the precipitation of Mn-bearing minerals. Differences in the morphology and distribution of Mn precipitates on the two strains reflect differences in nucleation site density and accessibility. Direct observation under liquid conditions highlights the critical role of bacterial cell surface charges and exopolymer types in metal mineralization. This has strong environmental implications because biofilms structured by exopolymers are widespread in nature and constitute the main form of microbial life on Earth.
Topics & Concepts
ExopolymerBiomineralizationBiofilmMineralization (soil science)NucleationBacteriaChemistryGeomicrobiologyNucleoidBiophysicsChemical engineeringNanotechnologyEnvironmental chemistryMicroorganismMaterials scienceBiologyEscherichia coliAstrobiologyBiochemistryEnvironmental biotechnologyGeneticsOrganic chemistryEngineeringNitrogenGeneGeochemistry and Elemental AnalysisGeomagnetism and Paleomagnetism StudiesMicrobial Fuel Cells and Bioremediation