Atomic-scale structure of biogenic materials by total X-ray diffraction: A study of bacterial and fungal MnOx. http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/nn800653a

Abstract

Biogenic materials are produced by microorganisms and are typically found in a nanophase state. As such, they are difficult to characterize structurally. In this report, we demonstrate how high-energy X-ray diffraction and atomic pair distribution function analysis can be used to determine the atomic-scale structures of MnOx produced by bacteria and fungi. These structures are well-defined, periodic, and species-specific, built of MnO6 octahedra forming birnessite-type layers and todorokite-type tunnels, respectively. The inherent structural diversity of biogenic material may offer opportunities for practical applications.