Delftia acidovorans
Encyclopedia
Delftia acidivorans is a Gram-negative
bacterium known for its ability, together with another bacterium species, Cupriavidus metallidurans
, to produce gold nugget
s. Layers of these bacteria dissolve gold
into nanoparticle
s. These nanoparticles are able to move through rocks and soil and can be deposited in new locations in gold ore.
Gram-negative
Gram-negative bacteria are bacteria that do not retain crystal violet dye in the Gram staining protocol. In a Gram stain test, a counterstain is added after the crystal violet, coloring all Gram-negative bacteria with a red or pink color...
bacterium known for its ability, together with another bacterium species, Cupriavidus metallidurans
Cupriavidus metallidurans
Cupriavidus metallidurans strain CH34, is a non-spore-forming bacillus which is adapted to survive several forms of heavy metal stress. Therefore, it is an ideal subject to study heavy metal disturbance of cellular processes...
, to produce gold nugget
Gold nugget
A gold nugget is a naturally occurring piece of native gold. Watercourses often concentrate and grow the nuggets. Nuggets are recovered by placer mining, but they are also found in residual deposits where the gold-bearing veins or lodes are weathered...
s. Layers of these bacteria dissolve gold
Gold
Gold is a chemical element with the symbol Au and an atomic number of 79. Gold is a dense, soft, shiny, malleable and ductile metal. Pure gold has a bright yellow color and luster traditionally considered attractive, which it maintains without oxidizing in air or water. Chemically, gold is a...
into nanoparticle
Nanoparticle
In nanotechnology, a particle is defined as a small object that behaves as a whole unit in terms of its transport and properties. Particles are further classified according to size : in terms of diameter, coarse particles cover a range between 10,000 and 2,500 nanometers. Fine particles are sized...
s. These nanoparticles are able to move through rocks and soil and can be deposited in new locations in gold ore.