Synthesis of lead nanoparticles by Enterobacter sp. and avirulent Bacillus anthracis PS2010

Abstract

The bacteria Enterobacter sp. and Bacillus anthracis (avirulent strain) were isolated from a lathe workshop and industrial waste water, respectively. The ability of both isolates to synthesize lead nanoparticles was studied. The relationship between the amount of polysaccharides secreted and metal deposited was demonstrated. The more polysaccharides secreted, the less metal deposition occurred. Examination of cells with X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) and electron microscopy (EM) after lead treatments revealed changes in cell size and surface. The cell surface of Bacillus anthracis PS2010 decreased relative to cell volume. XRD and EDX indicated that cells of Enterobacter sp. were able to synthesize lead oxide (PbO) nanoparticles within the periplasmic space, while B. anthracis cells were found to be able to synthesize lead sulfide (PbS) nanoparticles extracellularly. © 2012 Springer-Verlag and the University of Milan.