Metal nanoclusters on a bacterial surface layer


Metal nanoclusters on a bacterial surface layer

Raff, J.; Wahl, R.; Mertig, M.; Pompe, W.; Reich, T.; Selenska-Pobell, S.

A novel surface layer (S-layer) protein was found on Bacillus sphaericus isolate recovered from a uranium mining waste pile. Formation of highly ordered platinum and palladium nanoclusters on this crystalline protein template was studied. The average diameter of the metal clusters is 1.9±0.6 nm. They are located in the nano-sized pores and gaps of the crystalline S-layer. The atomic structure of the S-layer-metal nano-clusters was analysed by the use of EXAFS spectroscopy.
In addition, it was demonstrated that the B. sphaericus isolate is able to accumulate selectively large amounts of U, Pb, Cd, and Al from drain waters of the uranium mining waste pile. For this reason, this strain was chosen for construction of so called bio-ceramic "Biocere" which may be used for bioremediation of heavy metal contaminated liquid wastes. Our first analyses of the properties of this nano-scalic bio-ceramic will be presented.

  • Lecture (Conference)
    4. General Conference of the Balkan Physical Union - Bulgarien

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Publ.-Id: 3353