Researchers from Michigan State University have genetically engineered a type of bacteria to increase its ability to generate electricity while cleaning up nuclear waste and other toxic metals.

Gemma Reguera, a microbiologist from the university, said her team have found a way for Geobacter bacteria to grow more nanowires.

Nanowires are hair-like appendages found on the outside of Geobacter that manage electrical activity. They are also vital in the bacterias ability to immobilize uranium, the primary fuel used in nuclear energy.

Uranium emits harmful invisible particles that are hazardous to living organism, generally termed as radioactive contamination.

"Our findings clearly identify nanowires as being the primary catalyst for uranium reduction. They are essentially performing natures version of electroplating with uranium, effectively immobilizing the radioactive material and preventing it from leaching into groundwater," she added.

Ms. Reguera and her team of researchers genetically engineered a Geobacter strain to produce more nanowires to give the bacteria the ability to be a catalytic cell similar to a fuel cell while cleaning up uranium and other hazardous wastes.

Ms. Reguera has already filed patents to build on her research. - O. M. Bayani

source; APEC-VC Korea