Single-
and two-element map of inorganic nanomaterials biosynthesized using microbial
cells and bacteriophages. Fifty-one elements (excluding H, C, N and O) have
been used in inorganic nanomaterial synthesis using microbial cells and
bacteriophages. White spaces indicate that biosynthesis of inorganic
nanomaterials comprising the corresponding elements has not yet been reported.
Red denotes unary or binary metal/non-metal nanomaterials that have been
biosynthesized. Dark blue denotes metal/non-metal oxides that have been
biosynthesized. Light blue indicates biosynthesized metal hydroxides. Light
purple indicates that metal/non-metal phosphates have been biosynthesized.
Orange indicates that metal carbonates have been biosynthesized. All inorganic
nanomaterials biosynthesized using microbial cells and bacteriophages are
listed in the paper.
Courtesy: The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and
Technology (KAIST).
There are
diverse methods for producing numerous inorganic nanomaterials involving many
experimental variables. Among the numerous possible matches, finding the best
pair for synthesizing in an environmentally friendly way has been a
longstanding challenge for researchers and industries.
A KAIST
bioprocess engineering research team led by Distinguished Professor Sang Yup
Lee conducted a summary of 146 biosynthesized single and multi-element
inorganic nanomaterials covering 55 elements in the periodic table synthesized
using wild-type and genetically engineered microorganisms. Their research
highlights the diverse applications of biogenic nanomaterials and gives
strategies for improving the biosynthesis of nanomaterials in terms of their
producibility, crystallinity, size, and shape.
The
research team described a 10-step flow chart for developing the biosynthesis of
inorganic nanomaterials using microorganisms and bacteriophages. The research
was published in Nature Reviews Chemistry as a cover and hero paper on December
3.
"We
suggest general strategies for microbial nanomaterial biosynthesis via a step-by-step
flow chart and give our perspectives on the future of nanomaterial biosynthesis
and applications. This flow chart will serve as a general guide for those
wishing to prepare biosynthetic inorganic nanomaterials using microbial
cells," explained Dr.Yoojin Choi, a co-author of this research.
Most
inorganic nanomaterials are produced using physical and chemical methods and
biological synthesis has been gaining more and more attention. However,
conventional synthesis processes have drawbacks in terms of high energy
consumption and non-environmentally friendly processes. Meanwhile,
microorganisms such as microalgae, yeasts, fungi, bacteria, and even viruses
can be utilized as biofactories to produce single and multi-element inorganic
nanomaterials under mild conditions.
After
conducting a massive survey, the research team summed up that the development
of genetically engineered microorganisms with increased inorganic-ion-binding
affinity, inorganic-ion-reduction ability, and nanomaterial biosynthetic
efficiency has enabled the synthesis of many inorganic nanomaterials.
Among the
strategies, the team introduced their analysis of a Pourbaix diagram for
controlling the size and morphology of a product. The research team said this
Pourbaix diagram analysis can be widely employed for biosynthesizing new
nanomaterials with industrial applications.
Professor
Sang Yup Lee added, "This research provides extensive information and
perspectives on the biosynthesis of diverse inorganic nanomaterials using
microorganisms and bacteriophages and their applications. We expect that
biosynthetic inorganic nanomaterials will find more diverse and innovative
applications across diverse fields of science and technology."