In situ Synthesis of a Mesoporous MIL-100(Fe) Bacteria Exoskeleton

The mesoporous iron polycarboxylate MIL-100(Fe) was synthesized in presence of Pseudomonas putida bacteria. The synthesis was performed under green conditions, i.e. pure aqueous media at 30°C that were compatible with the preservation of the cell membrane integrity. Interestingly, the resulting bio-hybrid exhibited a very different microstructure than a physical mixture of the two components, as it led to the formation of a novel living material featuring an exoskeleton encapsulating individual bacteria cell. Interestingly, TEM and STEM on cross-sections revealed that this shell was not directly in contact with the cell wall, suggesting the exo-polysaccharides network promotes strong interactions with the MOF precursors leading to high proximity between the two components.