Shewanella, a well-studied genus of marine bacteria, have garnered attention in the biochemical realm as a potential microbial “fuel cell”. The Shewanella genus is characterized by anaerobic, aquatic bacterial species that prefer deep water environments. The genus is also noted for its ability to reduce or oxidize metal compounds in a cyclic manner. For example, Shewanella bacteria reversibly oxidize/reduce Manganese/Manganese Dioxide nanoparticles under specific environmental conditions.[3] 

The remarkable versatility of these organisms has opened up a new and exciting research avenue: the biosynthesis of nanomaterials for use in lithium-ion batteries. Through additional study of these fascinating organisms, researchers have discovered that Shewanella could be used to produce biogenic nanomaterials with unique morphologies. Shewenella bacteria are anaerobic, meaning that their metabolic pathways can be manipulated to provide straightforward synthesis pathways for the creation of unique nanomaterials under ambient, oxygen-free conditions.[4] In a fascinating application of Shewenella bacteria’s capabilities, the organism was used to oxidize dissolved arsenic contaminants in aqueous media, causing non-soluble, nanostructured As4S4 to precipitate out. The As4S4 nanomaterial was used to produce field-effect transistors with noted improvements.[6,7,8] The utilization of biosynthesized nanomaterials opens the door for more efficient, sustainable, and eco-friendly energy storage solutions, which are increasingly demanded in global the quest for a greener future.