A groundbreaking discovery reveals a new species of bacteria that functions like electrical wiring, shedding light on the unique properties of cable bacteria and their potential applications in bioelectronics.
In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have identified a new species of bacteria that functions like electrical wiring, shedding light on the unique properties of cable bacteria and their potential applications in bioelectronics.
The newly discovered species, Candidatus Electrothrix yaqonensis, was found on a brackish beach in Oregon and exhibits a distinct morphology and genetic structure. Its unique characteristics make it an attractive candidate for developing new materials in the field of bioelectronics.
Candidatus Electrothrix yaqonensis is a recently discovered bacterium that has garnered significant attention in the scientific community.
This microorganism was isolated from a plant associated with the Yaqona species, a type of Pacific Island plant used for ceremonial and medicinal purposes.
Initial studies suggest that Candidatus Electrothrix yaqonensis exhibits electrochemical properties, potentially enabling it to harness energy from its environment.
Further research is needed to fully understand this bacterium's behavior and potential applications.
Cable bacteria: Electrically conductive microbes are rod-shaped microbes that are connected at both ends to form a chain, sharing an outer membrane to create filaments several centimeters long. These microorganisms are electrically conductive due to their special metabolism, which involves the oxidation of sulfides in their deeper layers and the reception of electrons by oxygen and nitric acid on their surface.
The 25 species of cable bacteria known so far have been organized into two genera: Candidatus Electrothrix (saltwater) and Candidatus Electronema (fresh and brackish water). The new species discovered in this study has genetic features of both genera but is believed to be a bridge to an earlier branch of the Candidatus Electrothrix lineage, classifying it as part of that genus.
Cable bacteria are a type of microorganism that was first discovered in 2014.
These bacteria have the unique ability to transfer electrons over long distances, allowing them to thrive in low-oxygen environments.
They form 'cables' made up of bacterial cells, which can extend several centimeters and facilitate the exchange of nutrients and electrons.
Cable bacteria play a crucial role in marine ecosystems, particularly in areas with low oxygen levels.
Unique Features of C. yaqonensis
The newly discovered species exhibits several distinct characteristics that set it apart from existing cable bacteria. Its ridges are thicker and more angular than those of previously known species, reaching an average thickness of about 228 nanometers. The new species’ filament is surrounded by a thick, transparent sheath that does not conduct electricity and is thought to protect the filament from the environment and foreign enemies.
Inside the ridge of C. yaqonensis lies a fiber containing a nickel-centered metal complex that functions as a ‘biological wire,’ efficiently transporting electrons along the filament. This structure appears to be designed with an engineering intent, and its physical performance is impressive, with high electrical conductivity and low resistance.
Genetic Mosaic and Environmental Adaptability
Genomic analysis revealed that C. yaqonensis has genetic features of both Candidatus Electrothrix and Candidatus Electronema. This phenomenon, known as ‘mosaicism,’ is rare in bacteria and allows the species to adapt to diverse environments.
The new species also exhibits unique adaptations to saline environments, using different proteins to regulate osmotic pressure. Instead of relying on an electron-transfer enzyme, C. yaqonensis uses sodium and proton exchange transporters to maintain homeostasis in brackish water.
Potential Applications
Further studies will reveal the mechanism of the unique sheath formation and self-assembling process of C. yaqonensis‘ conductive fibers. The research team believes that this new species has the potential to be used as a new material in bioelectronics, potentially aiding in the creation of biodegradable electronic devices and biosensors.
Its characteristics may also be useful for remediation of heavy metals and organic pollutants in sedimentary environments. As researchers continue to explore the properties of C. yaqonensis, it is clear that this discovery has significant implications for our understanding of bioelectronics and its potential applications.
