A new type of sulfite oxidase which utilizes ferric ion (Fe3+) as an electron acceptor was found in iron-grown Thiobacillus ferrooxidans. It was localized in the plasma membrane of the bacterium and had a pH optimum at 6.0. Under aerobic conditions, 1 mol of sulfite was oxidized by the enzyme to produce 1 mol of sulfate. Under anaerobic conditions in the presence of Fe3+, sulfite was oxidized b...

Thiobacillus ferrooxidans cells grown on sulfur, pyrite, and chalcopyrite exhibit greater hydrophobicity than ferrous ion-grown cells. The isoelectric points of sulfur-, pyrite-, and chalcopyrite-grown cells were observed to be at a pH higher than that for ferrous ion-grown cells. Microbe-mineral interactions result in change in the surface chemistry of the organism as well as that of the miner...

Most microstructures are fabricated by photolithography, which needs masks to define the specific patterns, and the successive exposure, developing and etching steps. A maskless fabrication process has been developed on the other hand. The designed micro patterns are written on the specimen by laser guiding to build or repair micro structure rapidly rather than using the time-consuming mask fab...