Magnetotactic Bacteria: Performances and Challenges

Abstract

Magnetotactic Bacteria (MTB) are ubiquitous in distribution and posses magnetosome. Magnetosomes are intracellular crystals of magnetite (Fe₃O₄) or greigite (Fe₃S₄) enveloped by an organic membrane and have magnetic properties. These magnetosomes are the organelles responsible for MTB's magnetotactic lifestyle. Magnetosomes confer high and even dispersion in aqueous solutions compared with artificial magnetites, making them ideal biotechnological materials. MTB and magnetosomes offer high technological potential in modern science, technology and medicines. Although the potentials of MTB have been well demonstrated, yet these are not applicable on commercial scale because of the problems related to mass cultivation of MTB, less number of magnetosomes, and biocompatibility of MTB. This review is an attempt in same line with an objective to attract scientists about MTB's capabilities and some of their limitations that need attention for practical applications of these bacteria.

Keywords:

• iron oxide nanoparticles
• iron uptake
• magnetosomes
• magnetotactic bacteria