The literature on the magnetosome membrane (MM) protein, magnetosome membrane specific6 (Mms6),
is reviewed. Mms6 is native to magnetotactic bacteria (MTB). These bacteria take up iron from solution and
biomineralize magnetite nanoparticles within organelles called magnetosomes. Mms6 is a small protein
embedded on the interior of the MM and was discovered tightly associated with the formed mineral. It has
been the subject of intensive research as it is seen to control the formation of particles both in vivo and
in vitro. Here, we compile, review and discuss the research detailing Mms6’s activity within the cell and in a
range of chemical in vitro methods where Mms6 has a marked effect on the composition, size and distribution
of synthetic particles, with approximately 21 nm in size for solution precipitations and approximately 90 nm
for those formed on surfaces. Furthermore, we review and discuss recent work detailing the structure and
function of Mms6. From the evidence, we propose a mechanism for its function as a specific magnetite
nucleation protein and summaries the key features for this action: namely, self-assembly to display a
charged surface for specific iron binding, with the curvature of the surfaces determining the particle size.
We suggest these may aid design of biomimetic additives for future green nanoparticle production.
CORE (COnnecting REpositories)
CORE (COnnecting REpositories)