Institute of Cryogenics and Energy Research - Environ.
Magnetotactic bacteria are among the bacteria types being studied.
Their magnetic properties enabling their application to wastewater treatment. Click on graphics to enlarge Transmission electron micrograph of a magnetospirillum bacterium. Each magnetosome crystal is 40-60 nm in length. The chain of magnetite crystals acts as a 'compass' aligning the bacteria with the external magnetic field. The u-turn motion of magnetotactic bacteria in switching, linear magnetic fields has been studied enabling the magnetic moment to be calculated.