 *Image from the public domain | The secret of bacterial alchemists As taken from a fantasy novel, nature surprises us one more time with a marvelous story. This is the case for two species of bacteria, the extremo-philes Cupriavidus metallidurans and Delftia acidovorans. Using a metagenomics approach, researchers from the University of Adelaide, discovered these two species of bacteria forming biofilms on the surface of gold grains from a mine in Queensland, Australia. What is interesting about these two species is that they are capable of transforming liquid gold, in the form of the toxic gold chloride, into solid 24-karat gold. Yes, in pure solid gold. One of the most precious and expensive materials in our planet can be transformed from a liquid form to a purer solid state by bacteria. |
And not just that, these bacterial species were also found to dissolve gold grains into nanoparticles that move through rocks and crevices, thus contributing to the movement of gold around the environment. In addition, this natural phenomenon contradicts the belief that gold can only be formed through physical geological processes.
This unprecedented alchemical process had fascinated scientists all around the world due to its unique nature. Who would have thought that microorganisms could be capable of transforming gold to a pure solid state? Once again, nature has shown us how surprising is our planet. I am certain that, in a near future, microbes will surprise us once again with an incredible discovery. That is why I am counting on metagenomics as a tool to expand our knowledge in this microbial planet that we live in.
*References:
(1) Bacteria Make Gold Nuggets, Discovery Magazine
(2) Gold-Loving Bacteria Show Superman Strength, Michigan State University News
This unprecedented alchemical process had fascinated scientists all around the world due to its unique nature. Who would have thought that microorganisms could be capable of transforming gold to a pure solid state? Once again, nature has shown us how surprising is our planet. I am certain that, in a near future, microbes will surprise us once again with an incredible discovery. That is why I am counting on metagenomics as a tool to expand our knowledge in this microbial planet that we live in.
*References:
(1) Bacteria Make Gold Nuggets, Discovery Magazine
(2) Gold-Loving Bacteria Show Superman Strength, Michigan State University News
*Gold granules produced by the bacterium Cupriavidus metallidurans. Photo by G.L. Kohuth. Taken from the work of Adam W. Brown and Dr. Kazem Kashefi, Michigan State University.
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