A recent discovery states that bacteria produce Magnetosomes, nano-sized biological magnets, to steer by the earth’s magnetic field to deep regions of the ocean where there is less oxygen. These particles can be transferred to other organisms or even altered to produce customized magnetic particles for practical applications. An experiment was conducted where the particles have been extracted from the bacteria and injected into mice to improve imaging of cancers by MRI scanners.
Some bacteria have the ability to digest iron into tiny nanoparticles of magnetite (Fe3O4) that are enclosed in lipid vesicles or membranes. These “Magnetosomes” as they are called, have considerable potential for medical use because of their greater bio compatibility and convenient narrow and uniform shape compared to man made versions. Bacteria use them like tiny compasses to help them search for environments rich in oxygen.
