Genetically Modified Bacteria Build Nanowires

Aug-21-16 Researchers have created a modified bacteria able to create extremely thin, conductive electrical wires.

The bacteria were developed by a team from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, led by Dr. Derek Lovley, using a bacteria called Geobacter. This bacteria produces protruding microbial nanowires that it uses to make electrical connections with iron oxide, gathering energy that helps it grow. This natural conductivity is too weak for human use, so the team replaced two of the bacteria’s amino acids with tryptophan, causing it to create a more conductive, synthetic nanowire.

The tiny wires are about 60,000 times smaller than a human hair, and could find applications in medical technology and alternative fuel technologies.

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