Magnetotactic Characterization and Environmental Application P. aeruginosa kb1 Isolate

Aims: The interest in magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) is rising in the recent years. Pseudomonas aeruginosa Kb1 isolated from Egyptian habitat found to synthesis intracellular magnetosomes. This work aimed at characterization of produces magnetosomes and prospective application of the magnetotactic P. aeruginosa.

Methodology: The Kb1 isolate was grow in a batch experiment for three days. The synthesis of magnetosomes was confirmed by TEM microscope. The produced MNP were extracted, purified and characterized. The ability of P. aeruginosa Kb1 to remove heavy metals from its solutions was examined as well.

Results: The biosynthesis of mature magnetosomes, quasi-spherical or cubical in shape and 30- 70 nm in size, was affirmed after 72 h. The produced particles were crystals and displayed a super paramagnetic behaviour. Elemental analysis of the extracted MNP produced by P. aeruginosa revealed the presence of carbon, oxygen, iron and chloride. This result indicates that the composition of the produced magnetosomes is Fe3O4 mainly while the finding of high carbon level could be refer the protein coat surrounding the magnetosomes. The FTIR spectrum analysis reveled the detection of Fe-O group which point to magnetite as the main MNP. The existence of H-O group, N-H group, C-H, C=C and C-C groups prove presence of the protein coat. Furthermore, magnetotactic P. aeruginosa was able to remove 99.4% and 70% of Cd2 and Pb2 at initial concentration of 4 ppm although it survived at high concentrations (up to 8 ppm) of each.

Conclusion: Pseudomonas aeruginosa Kb1 is a promising candidate for magnetic nanoparticles production and heavy metal removal.