This article presents as follows the most recent progresses of our group on in-situ characterization and evaluation of the molecular mechanisms of interfacial interaction of minerals and bioleaching microorganisms. (1) By studying the speciation transformation of iron/copper/sulfur on the mineral surface, the evolution of cell surface properties and EPS composition, the evolution of microbial community structure, and the evolution of expression of key oxidase genes during bioleaching, to characterize the adaptation process and therein the effects of it on the specific sulfur oxidation efficiency of bioleaching; (2) by in-situ characterization of the evolution of chalcopyrite surface microstructure, chemical speciation and the biofilm formation, to illustrate the specific adsorption and the relationship between cell growth/biofilm formation and the structure and speciation on the defect mineral surface; (3) by studying the utilization, transformation and activation of S0, which is one of the major intermediates during bioleaching, and the distribution of extracellular thiol groups and iron speciation, to evaluate in situ the sulfur activation mechanism; and (4) by comparative proteomics study of the extracellular and outmembrane proteins and looking up the genome sequence, to screen sulfur activation/transportation relevant proteins and genes.
Characterization of a Transient +2 Sulfur Oxidation State Intermediate from the Oxidation of Aqueous Sulfide
