Characterization of magnetotactic bacteria and their magnetosomes isolated from Tieshan iron ore in Hubei Province of China

Several magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) have been isolated from iron cap belt, surface soil of intermediate belt and “primary iron ore belt” of Tieshan iron ore in Hubei Province, China. These magnetotactic bacteria were cultivated in enrichment medium at room temperature (25–30 °C), with oxygen concentration of 5–10% under the field of a permanent magnet. The magnetotactic bacteria were cocci or rods. They contained two or more magnetosomes under transmission electron microscope (TEM H-7000 FA), and the magnetosomes were in the shapes of rounded, triangular, rectangular and irregular. Energy spectrum analysis with Jeol 2000 transmission electron microscope (JEM2000FXII) equipped with energy dispersive system (EDS) controlled by Oxford Instruments Analytical system (INCA) showed that iron oxides were the main component of the magnetic particles.