Science continually amazes us with discoveries that seem like something out of a science fiction book. One of the most recent and fascinating discoveries is that of the so-called “philosopher’s bacteria”capable of producing gold from toxic compounds. This research, conducted by two professors of microbiology and molecular genetics at Michigan State University, has opened new avenues in understanding the biological processes linked to precious metals.
The discovery and its protagonists
The discovery of bacteria capable of producing gold was born from the collaboration between two researchers who, in the laboratory, created a sort of portable gold mine. The idea of “gold hunting” directly from the laboratory study has given rise to a real scientific revolution. While this discovery is unlikely to make anyone rich, it has led to the coining of the term “philosopher’s bacteria,” in reference to the legendary philosopher’s stone capable of turning base metals into gold.
The microorganisms involved
Analysis carried out on some gold nuggets produced in the laboratory revealed that 90% of the bacterial strains involved belong to two specific species: Cupriavidus metallidurans and Delftia acidovorans. These bacteria possess extraordinary abilities, including the ability to digest toxic liquid compounds such as gold chloride (AuCl3) and chloroauric acid, even at very high concentrations.
Cupriavidus metallidurans It is a bacterium that inactivates gold ions that enter the cell during the culture process, causing these ions to precipitate into endogenous nanoparticles. Delftia acidovoransinstead, inactivates gold ions before they penetrate the cell, secreting a substance called delftibactin, which allows the gold to precipitate outside the cell, producing biologically inert solid gold granules.
Cupriavidus metallidurans: endogenous nanoparticles
Cupriavidus metallidurans is able to survive in highly toxic environments thanks to its ability to transform liquid gold compounds into nanoparticles. When gold ions enter the cell, the bacterium inactivates them and precipitates them in the form of gold nanoparticles. This process not only protects the bacterium from gold toxicity, but also allows the formation of tiny gold particles within the cell.
Delftia acidovorans: delftibactin and solid gold
Delftia acidovorans takes a different approach. This bacterium secretes a substance called delphthybactin, which binds to gold ions outside the cell, inactivating them before they can enter the cell. This process leads to the precipitation of gold outside the cell, forming solid gold granules. This discovery suggests one of the possible natural ways of gold formation.
Implications and limitations of the discovery
Despite the enormous potential of this discovery, industrialization of the process currently remains prohibitive due to high production costs. While it is fascinating to think that these bacteria could one day be used to produce gold in large quantities, current technologies and associated costs make this possibility still a long way off.
Potential future applications
In the future, with further technological developments and cost reductions, This discovery could have practical applications in various fields:
- Precious metal recovery: Potentially useful for recovering gold from e-waste and other waste sources.
- Environmental purification: Bacteria could be used to purify environments contaminated by toxic heavy metal compounds.
- Advanced Biotechnology: could open new avenues in the research and development of biotechnological processes for the management of precious metals.
Conclusion on the new way of bacteria to produce gold
The discovery of the “philosophical bacteria” represents a significant step in microbiology and molecular genetics. Although the industrialization of this process is still far away, understanding how these bacteria transform toxic compounds into gold offers new perspectives for the future of science and technology. The exploration of these natural phenomena could lead to innovative solutions for the management of precious metals and environmental purification.
Final advice
- Investing in research: Continue to support studies and research in the field of microbiology to discover further practical applications of these bacteria.
- Cost reduction: Develop technologies that can reduce production costs associated with the use of bacteria to produce gold.
- Environmental sustainability: Exploring the use of philosopher bacteria for the purification of environments contaminated by heavy metals, thus improving environmental sustainability.
FAQ – Bacteria’s New Way to Make Gold
What is a philosopher’s bacterium? Philosopher bacteria are microorganisms capable of transforming toxic metal compounds into gold.
What bacteria are involved in this process? The main bacteria are Cupriavidus metallidurans and Delftia acidovorans.
How do these bacteria produce gold? Cupriavidus metallidurans produces endogenous gold nanoparticles, while Delftia acidovorans produces gold granules outside the cell through the secretion of delftibactin.
What are the potential applications of this discovery? Future applications could include the recovery of precious metals from waste, environmental purification and the development of new biotechnology.
Read also:
- Our blog
- Cupriavidus metallidurans: the bacterium capable of fixing gold
- Here is the new generation of antivirals: gold nanoparticles!
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