Bio-deposition of Amorphous Silica by an Extremely Thermophilic Bacterium, Thermus spp.

Abstract

   The bio-deposition of amorphous silica, which occurred in vitro by exposure to the extremely thermophilic bacterium Thermus spp. began from the latter part of the exponential phase of growth of the bacteria. The concentration with which the deposition occurred exceeded the solubility of amorphous silica of neutral pH at the temperature 60~85°C. Our observations suggest that Thermus spp. promotes the formation of siliceous minerals in a geothermal environment.