Identification of a bacterial isolate from Sarcheshmeh copper mine (in south east of Iran) used for the biosynthesis of Bismuth nanoparticles

Introduction and Objectives: There is an increasing attention on usage of Bismuth nanoparticles (BiNPs). The main applications are electrochemical applications, such as in the electrolyte or cathode of solid oxide fuel cells, in bio-medical and cancer imaging and for other photoconductive characteristics in thin films. Biosynthesis of BiNPs is a good alternative for chemical synthesis of this element. Accordingly, the aim of this research was to isolate and identify bacteria with capability to synthesize BiNPs. Materials and Methods: Soil samples were collected from Sarcheshmeh copper mine in Kerman district (South east of Iran). Screening of bismuth producing bacteria was followed by inoculation of serially diluted samples on two sets of nutrient agar with and without bismuth salts. All positive isolates were identified using molecular tests using 16S rRNA gene. In order to biosynthesize of bismuth nanoparticles, each bacterial strain was subcultured on nutrient agar supplemented with bismuth subnitrate and this followed by biological purification of nanoparticles by an organic-aqueous system. Results: From soil samples of Sarcheshmeh copper mine, one bacterium with BiNPs synthesis ability was isolated and identified as Pseudomonas sp. strain 1061. The ability of this isolate to reduce bismuth subnitrate was used for biosynthesis of bismuth nanoparticles and this synthesis was approved by conformational tests. Conclusion: Although the chemical synthesis of BiNPs has been reported in the several research articles, but in comparison there are a few reports about its biological synthesis. This research focuses on isolation of a bacterium as well as its biological method for BiNPs synthesis.

کلیدواژه ها:

Bismuth ، nanoparticle ، Biosynthesis ، Pseudomonas sp. strain1061