Magnetotactic bacteria orient and migrate along magnetic field lines. This intriguing behaviour is based on the presence of uniqe intracellular magnetic organelles, the magnetosomes, which comprise nano-sized, membrane-bounded crystals of a magnetic iron mineral. Research in our lab is focused on the question how these organelles are formed within the bacterial cell. Specifically, we take an interdisciplinary approach to study the molecular mechanisms that control the biomineralization of magnetite (Fe3O4) crystals with a characteristic size and morphology, their deposition within intracytoplasmic membrane vesicles, and the assembly of magnetosome particles into regular chains. The superior magnetic and crystalline properties of bacterial magnetosomes, which are enveloped by a biological membrane, make them useful as a magnetic nanoparticles with unique characteristics. We work on the production and functionalization of magnetosome particles for their use in various biotechnological applications.
Recombinant DNA and protein technology, genetic techniques, fluorescence and light microscopy.
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
Bundesminsterium für Bildung und Forschung (BMBF)
European Union
Marie Curie Program
