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A model system to obtain structural information from the bacterial-mineral interface by neutron reflectivity


EMSL Project ID
28592

Abstract

Electron transfer to insoluble electron acceptors by dissimilatory metal-reducing bacteria is facilitated by a pool of c-type cytochromes associated with the outer bacterial membrane. Recent studies were able to identify essential cytochromes that are required for electron transfer to insoluble iron oxide minerals. However, the mechanism of this process is still unknown. Detailed structural information on the interaction of outer membrane cytochromes with mineral surfaces is required to elucidate the electron transfer mechanism.
We are developing a model system consisting of an iron oxide thin film and a biomimetic model membrane on a silicon wafer to study the structural arrangement of outer membrane cytochromes at the protein-mineral interface by neutron reflectometry.
The basis for this model system is an iron oxide thin film deposited on a solid substrate. EMSL has the capability and expertise to grow iron oxide thin films on large substrates with high uniformity and low surface roughness.

Project Details

Project type
Limited Scope
Start Date
2007-12-17
End Date
2008-01-18
Status
Closed

Team

Principal Investigator

Alexander Johs
Institution
Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Team Members

Liyuan Liang
Institution
Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory

Related Publications

Johs A., Shi L., Droubay T., Ankner J.F., Liang L., Characterization of the decaheme c-type cytochrome OmcA in solution and on hematite surfaces by small angle x-ray scattering and neutron reflectometry, Biophys. J. 98, 3035-3043, 2010.