Project Background
In our project, we will produce metallic Nanoparticles with interesting catalytic properties using microorganisms. Metallic nanoparticles (NPs) are typically produced by conventional chemical and physical methods that involve toxic solvents and/or produce hazardous waste [1, 2]. Our bacteria-based technology is built on the understanding of bacteria-metal interactions: (1) metal ion transport into bacteria, and (2) metal reduction processes in bacteria that help to form metal nanoparticles from the imported ions [3].
Preliminary work has shown that using genetically engineered bacterial cells, we can produce catalytically active NPs such as Palladium and Palladium-Iron NPs with defined physicochemical properties (particle size, shape, and catalytic and magnetic properties) [4]. This has the potential to offer a completely new, environmentally friendly metallic NP synthesis approach, in line with global and European sustainability goals.
Aims of this project:
You will help us to explore the microbial production of metallic nanoparticles (NPs) using various precious metals of high value to the chemical industry. Genetically modified bacterial strains will be optimized for the synthesis of these precious metal NPs. As a side effect, these mutant strains will help us to understand non-essential metal ion transport and reduction pathways in bacteria better. The properties of the nanoparticles will be thoroughly characterized using techniques such as atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The catalytic performance of the bio-produced nanoparticles will be evaluated through simple reactions, such as dye conversions in aqueous systems, to identify promising samples with efficiencies comparable to those of chemical synthesized catalysts.
This project is part of the BEDPAN 2.0 project funded by NovoNordisk Fonden (Industrial Biotechnology and Environmental Biotechnology Project Grant 0086093).
Methods:
- Microbiology
- Anaerobic cultivation methods
- Nanomaterials handling methods
- Metal ion quantification (Spectrophotometry and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS))
- Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of biological samples
- Simple catalyst testing (e.g. reduction of 4-Nitrophenol)
- Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR)
Requirements:
This project is suitable for students of the study programs Molecular Biology/Biochemistry, Cell Biology/Physiology, or Genetics/Developmental Biology - but students from all study programs and from other departments are welcome to contact us. We prefer candidates to join the group early in t