New Bacterium Produces Conductive Metal Nanoribbons
The organism synthesizes nickel-based structures to transport electrons across long distances in seafloor sediment.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Life Sciences
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Researchers at the University of Antwerp have identified a bacterium, Candidatus Electrothrix gigas, that synthesizes conductive, nickel-based metal-organic framework nanoribbons. This biological mechanism allows the bacteria to transport electrons across distances 10,000 times their own length.
Why it matters
These conductive structures enable bacteria to perform long-distance metabolic reactions in seafloor sediment, accessing energy sources previously considered unreachable. The findings are now moving toward potential commercialization.
Candidatus Electrothrix gigas produces nickel-based metal-organic frameworks linked by organic dithiolene ligands. These structures allow for electron transport over several centimeters, a distance 10,000 times that of the individual organism.
The players
University of Antwerp
A Belgian research institution focused on advanced microbiological and materials science.
Candidatus Electrothrix gigas
A bacterial species that synthesizes conductive nickel-based metal-organic framework nanoribbons.
CIC biomaGUNE
A research center in San Sebastián, Spain, contributing expertise to this study.
The details
The bacteria create these conductive wires by synthesizing bundles of intertwined nanoribbons. These cables enable the oxidation of sulfides located in deep sediment, which releases electrons required for metabolic processes. This process effectively turns seafloor sediment into an integrated electronic environment, a trait observed in 90 distinct bacterial species.
Timeline
600 million years ago: Origin of cable bacteria capable of creating these conductive structures.
The Tech Race
This discovery marks a shift in bio-materials research, as scientists look to replicate biological conductivity for synthetic manufacturing. Researchers are currently preparing a start-up to commercialize these conductive materials.
While this discovery remains in the research stage, it represents a new class of natural semiconductors that could eventually influence synthetic materials production. No consumer applications exist yet, though a start-up is being formed to explore commercial viability.
The takeaway
This discovery demonstrates that evolution mastered high-performance electron transport hundreds of millions of years ago, offering a template for future synthetic wires. Watch for upcoming announcements from the research team regarding the formation of a commercial start-up to produce these materials.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest research in Life Sciences.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Chemistry World.
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