About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2026 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Bio-Nano Interfaces and Engineering Applications
|
| Presentation Title |
Adaptive mechanisms and mineral interactions of microbes in extreme environments
|
| Author(s) |
David Kisailus |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
David Kisailus |
| Abstract Scope |
Microbes that colonize extreme environments have evolved specific molecular machinery and mechanisms to survive and thrive on their surrounding material substrates. These microorganisms have been found in Earth's driest locations, including the Atacama Desert. Recently, we found that certain species of cyanobacteria not only extract water from the rock, but also remove iron for metabolic processes. However, the mechanisms by which they are able to accomplish this were previously unknown. Here, using a combination of microscopic and spectroscopic analyses in combination of carefully controlled culturing, we reveal that a specific combination of local chemical and molecular environments at bioorganic-mineral interfaces enable metal extraction, with subsequent mineral transformation. Results not only shed light on how microorganisms survive under severe conditions but also provide insights into utilizing biological or bio-inspired engineered systems to extract valuable minerals, and implement them in fabrication processes such as additive manufacturing. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: |
| Keywords |
Biomaterials, Extraction and Processing, Sustainability |