Heat evolution and energy analysis of cyanide bioproduction by a cyanogenic microorganism with the potential for bioleaching of precious metals.

•Glycine anion was the precursor of cyanide synthesis under the biocatalysis of microorganism.•Decomposition steps from glycine anion to cyanide were endothermic and non-spontaneous.•Metabolic heat of microorganism brought positive effects on cyanide synthesis.