Researchers have found bacteria with nickel-based fibers that can conduct electricity

Scientists found unique electricity-conducting bacteria with nickel fibers.

: Researchers at Oregon State University discovered a new bacterial species called Candidatus Electrothrix yaqonensis in Oregon's Yaquina Bay mudflats. This bacterium is capable of conducting electricity via nickel-based fibers, a rare feature among living organisms. The new species, named after the Yaqona people, forms long filaments that optimize metabolism through long-distance electron transport. Potential applications include environmental cleanup and bioelectronic device innovation.

Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery of a new species of cable bacteria, known as Candidatus Electrothrix yaqonensis, identified in the mudflats of Oregon's Yaquina Bay. This bacterium is capable of conducting electricity, thanks to its unique composition of nickel-based fibers. Unlike most organisms, this species can transport electrons over long distances, linking electron acceptors and donors across sediment layers.

The research was spearheaded by Oregon State University, with significant contributions from other prestigious institutions such as the University of Antwerp and Delft University of Technology. Cheng Li, a postdoctoral researcher, and Clare Reimers, a distinguished professor emerita, played vital roles in identifying these unique organisms. According to Li, this species acts as a bridge and early branch within the Ca. Electrothrix clade, opening avenues to understand its evolution and environmental adaptation.

These bacteria form long filaments by connecting rod-shaped cells end to end, sharing an outer membrane which enables them to stretch several centimeters. This structure allows them to act as natural electrical wiring within sediment, aiding in the optimization of their metabolism. The conductive properties are not just biological quirks but are essential for their survival and energy distribution.

One of the most remarkable features of Candidatus Electrothrix yaqonensis is its surface ridges, which are three times wider than those of related species. These ridges house highly conductive fibers rich in nickel, enabling the facilitation of redox reactions between surface electron acceptors like oxygen or nitrate and deeper electron donors like sulfide.

The implications of this discovery are vast. The bacteria's ability to transfer electrons could aid in environmental remediation, particularly in removing pollutants from sediments. Furthermore, the unique design of its conductive fibers can inspire new bioelectronic applications, combining biology with electronics for advanced technological solutions. This research received backing from the Office of Naval Research and Oregon Sea Grant, demonstrating its potential significance in both environmental and technological fields.

Sources: TechSpot, Oregon State University

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