A one-step route for the conversion of Cd waste into CdS quantum dots by Acidithiobacillus sp. via unique biosynthesis pathways.

ABSTRACT: Microorganisms serve as biological factories for the synthesis of nanomaterials such as CdS quantum dots. Based on the uniqueness of Acidithiobacillus sp., a one-step route was explored to directly convert cadmium waste into CdS QDs using these bacteria. First, an exhaustive study was conducted to reveal the specific pathways involved in the biosynthesis of CdS QDs. The widely known homologous enzyme, cysteine desulfhydrase, which catalyzes the synthesis of CdS QDs from a cysteine substrate, is also present in Acidithiobacillus sp. and is referred to as the OSH enzyme. The structure of the OSH enzyme was determined through X-ray crystallography. Moreover, we identified two new pathways. One involved the SQR enzyme in Acidithiobacillus sp., which catalyzed the formation

SUBMITTER: Li XJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11718510 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature