A model system to obtain structural information from the bacterial-mineral interface by neutron reflectometry
EMSL Project ID
30195
Abstract
Electron transfer to insoluble electron acceptors by dissimilatory metal-reducing bacteria is facilitated by a pool of c-type cytochromes associated with the bacterial outer 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 representing the bacterial-mineral interface to investigate interaction of proteins and bacterial membranes with mineral surfaces such as hematite. Neutron reflectometry is a unique method to probe the biological-mineral interface, because neutrons can penetrate metal (oxide) films and are sensitive to light elements commonly found in biological macromolecules at the same time.
We would like to take advantage of EMSLs capability and expertise to grow iron oxide (hematite) thin films on large substrates with high uniformity and low surface roughness.
Project Details
Project type
Large-Scale EMSL Research
Start Date
2008-08-25
End Date
2009-08-30
Status
Closed
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator
Team Members
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.