In vitro magnetosome remineralization for silver-magnetite hybrid magnetosome biosynthesis and used for healing of the infected wound

Background Magnetosomes (BMPs) are organelles of magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) that are responsible for mineralizing iron to form magnetite. In addition, BMP is an ideal biomaterial that is widely used in bio- and nano-technological applications, such as drug delivery, tumor detection and therapy, and immunodetection. The use of BMPs to create multifunctional nanocomposites would further expand the range of their applications. Results In this study, we firstly demonstrate that the extracted BMP can remineralize in vitro when it is exposed to AgNO 3 solution, the silver ions (Ag + ) were transported into the BMP biomembrane (MM) and mineralized into a silver crystal on one crystal plane of Fe 3 O 4 . Resulting in the rapid synthesis of an Ag-Fe 3 O 4 hybrid BMP (BMP-Ag). The synergy between the biomembrane, Fe 3 O 4 crystal , and unmineralized iron enabled the remineralization of BMPs at an Ag + concentration ≥ 1.0 mg mL −1 . The BMP-Ag displayed good biocompatibility and antibacterial activity. At a concentration of 2.0 mg/mL, the BMP-Ag and biomembrane removed Ag-Fe 3 O 4 NPs inhibited the growth of gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. Thus using BMP-Ag as a wound dressing can effectively enhance the contraction of infected wounds. Conclusions This study represents the first successful attempt to remineralize organelles ex vivo, realizing the biosynthesis of hybrid BMP and providing an important advancement in the synthesis technology of multifunctional biological nanocomposites. Graphical abstract