Biomineralization in Magnetotactic Bacteria: From Diversity to Molecular Discovery-based Applications

The synthesis of magnetic nanoparticles (FeO or FeS) within the membrane-bound organelles known as magnetosomes in magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) is a remarkable example of microbial-controlled biomineralization. Studying MTB biomineralization is crucial not only for understanding the origin and evolution of magnetoreception and bacterial organelles but also for advancing biotechnological and biomedical applications of MTB cells and magnetosomes. After decades of research, MTB have revealed unexpected diversity and complexity. The mechanisms underlying magnetosome biomineralization in MTB have been continuously documented using a few model MTB strains. In this review, we provide an overview of recent findings related to MTB diversity and focus primarily on the current understanding of magnetosome biosynthesis. Additionally, we summarize the growing biotechnological and biomedical applications derived from molecular studies of MTB and their magnetosomes.