Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans
Acidithiobacillus Ferrooxidans acts as a biofertilizer, enhancing nutrient availability by solubilizing soil iron, crucial for plants in iron-deficient soils.
Strength
1 x 10⁸ CFU per gram / 1 x 10⁹ CFU per gram
Benefits
Increases Crop Yields and Enhances Produce Quality
Leads to better marketability and profitability for farmers by boosting crop yields and improving produce quality.
Improves Plant Health
Enhances resistance against drought and diseases, promoting healthier and more resilient plants.
Enhances Nutrient Availability
Solubilizes iron in the soil, making it more accessible for plants to uptake essential nutrients.
Promotes Environmental Sustainability
Reduces dependence on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, contributing to sustainable agriculture.
Scientific References
Recent Research Findings
Bioleaching Versatility: A comprehensive 2024 study published in Microorganisms demonstrated Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans' ability to mobilize 15+ elements through sophisticated bioleaching mechanisms, highlighting its versatility beyond simple iron oxidation. mdpi
Genome-Scale Analysis: Complete genome sequencing and metabolic network reconstruction have revealed the bacterium's complex metabolic pathways, providing insights into its remarkable adaptability and industrial potential. frontiersin+1
Agricultural Applications: Field studies consistently demonstrate significant improvements in crop growth parameters, including increased shoot length (58%), root length (54%), and iron concentration (79%) when using iron-solubilizing bacterial treatments. nature
Environmental Impact Studies
Heavy Metal Remediation: Research published in Soil and Sediment Contamination shows that Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans combined with biochar reduces soil heavy metal content by 28.42% and crop contamination by 60.82%. tandfonline
Biocompatibility Assessment: Comprehensive safety studies confirm the bacterium's excellent biocompatibility profile with rapid biodegradation and no toxic effects on major organs. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih
Mode of Action
Biochemical Mechanisms
Iron Oxidation Pathway: The bacterium employs a sophisticated electron transport system featuring rusticyanin, a unique blue copper protein that facilitates the oxidation of Fe²⁺ to Fe³⁺. This process generates ATP through oxidative phosphorylation while producing ferric iron that can solubilize various mineral compounds. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih+1
Sulfur Oxidation Networks: Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans utilizes multiple sulfur oxidation pathways including the sulfur dioxygenase (SDO) system, which initiates elemental sulfur oxidation, and complex thiosulfate oxidation mechanisms involving tetrathionate hydrolase and sulfite oxidase enzymes. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih
pH Regulation and Acid Tolerance: The bacterium maintains internal pH homeostasis despite external pH levels as low as 1.0 through specialized acid resistance mechanisms and proton pumps. This extreme acid tolerance allows it to function in environments where most other microorganisms cannot survive. cambridge
Cellular Processes
Energy Generation: Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans generates energy through chemolithoautotrophic metabolism, using inorganic compounds as electron donors while fixing CO₂ as its carbon source. This unique metabolic strategy enables the bacterium to thrive in nutrient-poor, extreme environments. cambridge+1
Biofilm Formation: The bacterium forms protective biofilms that enhance its survival in harsh conditions and improve its efficiency in bioleaching applications. These biofilms also facilitate cooperative interactions with other beneficial microorganisms in soil environments. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih
Mineral Surface Interactions: At the molecular level, Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans attaches to mineral surfaces and creates localized acidic microenvironments that accelerate mineral dissolution and nutrient release. onlinelibrary.wiley
Benefits of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans in Agriculture
Plant Growth Enhancement
Improved Iron Availability: Plants inoculated with Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans show significantly enhanced iron uptake, leading to improved chlorophyll synthesis, enhanced photosynthetic efficiency, and stronger overall plant health. Studies demonstrate up to 79% increases in shoot iron concentration when using iron-solubilizing bacterial treatments.nature
Enhanced Root Development: The bacterium promotes extensive root system development through improved nutrient availability and soil structure enhancement. Stronger root systems improve water and nutrient uptake capacity, leading to more resilient crops.mdpi+1
Stress Tolerance: Plants colonized by Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans demonstrate improved tolerance to abiotic stresses including drought, salinity, and nutrient deficiency conditions. This enhanced resilience is particularly valuable in challenging growing environments.mdpi
Soil Health Benefits
Nutrient Cycling: The bacterium accelerates nutrient cycling in soil systems by converting unavailable mineral forms into plant-accessible nutrients. This process reduces dependence on synthetic fertilizers while maintaining optimal soil fertility. mdpi
Soil Structure Improvement: Microbial activity from Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans contributes to better soil aggregation and improved water infiltration rates. Enhanced soil structure supports healthier root environments and improved crop establishment. mdpi
Microbiome Enhancement: The presence of beneficial bacteria like Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans promotes overall soil microbial diversity and activity, creating more balanced and resilient soil ecosystems. mdpi+1
Industrial Significance and Biotechnology Applications
Biotechnological Innovations
Genetic Engineering Applications: Recent advances in genetic modification of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans have enhanced its capabilities for rare earth element recovery and specialized bioleaching applications. Engineered strains show up to 13-fold improvements in lanthanide recovery efficiency. pubs.acs
Nanoparticle Synthesis: The bacterium's unique ability to synthesize magnetite (Fe₃O₄) nanoparticles under mild conditions has biotechnological applications in biomedicine and materials science. These biogenic nanoparticles offer advantages over chemically synthesized alternatives. journals.asm
Process Optimization: Advanced cultivation techniques, including the use of metallic iron instead of iron sulfate in growth media, have simplified and improved Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans production processes. pubs.acs
Environmental Applications
Acid Mine Drainage Treatment: Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans plays a dual role in acid mine drainage systems—while it can contribute to acid formation in natural settings, controlled applications utilize its metal precipitation capabilities for environmental remediation. mdpi
Waste Processing: The bacterium effectively processes various industrial wastes, converting hazardous pyrophoric iron sulfides into safer forms and recovering valuable metals from waste streams. jeeng
Space Applications: Research suggests that Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans could potentially be used in future space mining operations due to its ability to extract valuable elements under extreme conditions. mdpi
Additional Info
Recommended Crops: Cereals, Millets, Pulses, Oilseeds, Fibre Crops, Sugar Crops, Forage Crops, Plantation crops, Vegetables, Fruits, Spices, Flowers, Medicinal crops, Aromatic Crops, Orchards, and Ornamentals.
Compatibility: Compatible with Bio Pesticides, Bio Fertilizers, and Plant growth hormones but not with chemical fertilizers and chemical pesticides.
Shelf Life: Stable within 1 year from the date of manufacturing.
Packing: We offer tailor-made packaging as per customers' requirements.
Dosage & Application
Seed Coating/Seed Treatment: Prepare a mixture of 10 - 15 grams of Acidithiobacillus Ferrooxidans in a sufficient amount of water to create a slurry. Coat 1kg of seeds with the mixture, dry them in shade, and they will be ready to use in the field.
Seedling Treatment: Prepare a mixture of 100 grams of Acidithiobacillus Ferrooxidans in a sufficient amount of water. Dip the roots of the seedlings into the solution for 30 minutes to allow the bacteria to attach to the roots prior to planting.
Soil Treatment: Mix 2.5 - 5kg per hectare of Acidithiobacillus Ferrooxidans with organic manure/organic fertilizers. Incorporate the mixture into the soil and spread it in the field at the time of planting/sowing.
Irrigation: Mix 2.5 - 5kg per hectare of Acidithiobacillus Ferrooxidans in a sufficient amount of water. Drench or drip the mixture to penetrate the root zones.
FAQ
General Applications
What crops benefit most from Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans application?
The bacterium is particularly effective for cereals, millets, pulses, oilseeds, vegetables, fruits, and ornamental crops, especially those grown in iron-deficient or alkaline soils where iron availability is limited. indogulfbioag
How does Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans compare to chemical iron fertilizers?
Unlike chemical fertilizers that provide temporary nutrient boosts, Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans establishes long-term soil health improvements by continuously converting unavailable iron forms into plant-accessible nutrients. This biological approach is more sustainable and environmentally friendly. universalmicrobes
Can Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans be used in hydroponic systems?
While traditionally used in soil-based systems, recent research indicates potential applications in hydroponic environments where the bacterium's iron-solubilizing capabilities could benefit soilless cultivation. indogulfbioag
Safety and Compatibility
Is Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans safe for organic farming?
Yes, the bacterium is completely natural and non-pathogenic, making it suitable for organic farming systems. It enhances soil health through biological processes without introducing harmful chemicals. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih
What is the compatibility with other agricultural inputs?
Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans is compatible with bio-pesticides, bio-fertilizers, and plant growth hormones. However, it should not be used simultaneously with chemical fungicides or pesticides that could harm microbial viability. indogulfbioag
How long does the bacterium remain active in soil?
Under favorable conditions, Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans can maintain activity for extended periods, continuously providing iron solubilization benefits throughout the growing season. The bacterium's extremophile nature allows it to survive in challenging soil conditions. cambridge
Application and Management
What soil pH range is optimal for Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans?
The bacterium thrives in acidic conditions (pH 1-3) but can function effectively across a broader pH range in agricultural applications. Its acid-producing activity helps optimize soil pH for improved nutrient availability. universalmicrobes
How should the product be stored to maintain viability?
Store Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans products in cool, dry conditions away from direct sunlight. The product maintains stability for up to one year from the date of manufacturing when stored properly. indogulfbioag
Can the bacterium be tank-mixed with other microbial inoculants?
Yes, Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans can be combined with other beneficial microorganisms such as nitrogen-fixing bacteria and phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria for synergistic effects. indogulfbioag
