Examining Ferrihydrite Nanomaterials: From Structure and Biosynthesis to Biomedical and Agricultural Applications
8 affiliations
- 1Krasnoyarsk Science Center, Federal Research Center KSC SB RAS, 660036 Krasnoyarsk, Russia
- 2Kirensky Institute of Physics, Federal Research Center KSC SB RAS, 660036 Krasnoyarsk, Russia
- 3Siberian Federal University, 660041 Krasnoyarsk, Russia
- 4Siberian Institute of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, 664033 Irkutsk, Russia
- 5Horia Hulubei National Institute for R&D in Physics and Nuclear Engineering, 077125 Magurele, Romania
- 6Faculty of Physics, University of Bucharest, 077125 Magurele, Romania
- 7Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, 141980 Dubna, Russia
- 8Research-Development Center for Intelligent Materials and Biomedical Applications, West University of Timișoara, 300223 Timișoara, Romania
Abstract
This multidisciplinary work is an attempt to synthesize advances in ferrihydrite (Fh, Fe10O14(OH)2·nH2O) research and applications ranging from physics to nanoagriculture. Fh nanoforms obtained via chemical or “green” synthesis methods using various bacterial cultures display unique catalytic and enzyme-like properties, surface reactivity, and magnetic properties. SAXS and SANS, supported by model-dependent fitting (FITTER) and model-independent ATSAS tools (Guinier approximation, p(r) function, and ab initio reconstruction), together with Porod-law and fractal analysis, provide a coherent multi-scale picture. Biogenic nanoparticles produced by Klebsiella oxytoca are built from 1–2 nm crystallites embedded in an organic matrix and exhibit a cultivation-dependent, hierarchical architecture: e.g., Fe12 yields a two-level hierarchical structure, whereas Fe34 produces a sponge-like surface. SANS further reveals that ferrihydrite nanoparticles in complex with lactate dehydrogenase form a core–shell bionanocomposite. The practical applications lie primarily in the biomedical field and plant cultivation, with significant implications for medicine and food production. A more thorough understanding of the underlying mechanisms, as well as studies to determine precise dosages and application methods, is critical. Investigating the biological activity of Fh NPs under both physiological and pathological conditions will facilitate the development of biologically informed engineering strategies for new Fh-based agents aimed at treating serious human diseases, improving plant mineral nutrition, protecting plants from phytopathogens, and remediating soil. Future directions include engineering nano-agrochemicals by functionalizing nanoforms tailored to specific crop types and soils with distinct physicochemical properties.
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BibTeX
@article{grachev2026examining,
title = {{Examining Ferrihydrite Nanomaterials: From Structure and Biosynthesis to Biomedical and Agricultural Applications}},
author = {Alexei M. Grachev and Sergey V. Stolyar and Alla I. Perfileva and Yuri L. Gurevich and Natalia G. Menzyanova and Margarita I. Teremova and Tatyana R. Krikunova and Valentina P. Ladygina and Ana Pantelica and Claudia G. Chilom and Maria Balasoiu},
journal = {Nanomaterials},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.3390/nano16201302},
url = {https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/16/20/1302},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Examining Ferrihydrite Nanomaterials: From Structure and Biosynthesis to Biomedical and Agricultural Applications
AU - Alexei M. Grachev
AU - Sergey V. Stolyar
AU - Alla I. Perfileva
AU - Yuri L. Gurevich
AU - Natalia G. Menzyanova
AU - Margarita I. Teremova
AU - Tatyana R. Krikunova
AU - Valentina P. Ladygina
AU - Ana Pantelica
AU - Claudia G. Chilom
AU - Maria Balasoiu
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/01
JO - Nanomaterials
DO - 10.3390/nano16201302
UR - https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/16/20/1302
AB - This multidisciplinary work is an attempt to synthesize advances in ferrihydrite (Fh, Fe10O14(OH)2·nH2O) research and applications ranging from physics to nanoagriculture. Fh nanoforms obtained via chemical or “green” synthesis methods using various bacterial cultures display unique catalytic and enzyme-like properties, surface reactivity, and magnetic properties. SAXS and SANS, supported by model-dependent fitting (FITTER) and model-independent ATSAS tools (Guinier approximation, p(r) function, and ab initio reconstruction), together with Porod-law and fractal analysis, provide a coherent multi-scale picture. Biogenic nanoparticles produced by Klebsiella oxytoca are built from 1–2 nm crystallites embedded in an organic matrix and exhibit a cultivation-dependent, hierarchical architecture: e.g., Fe12 yields a two-level hierarchical structure, whereas Fe34 produces a sponge-like surface. SANS further reveals that ferrihydrite nanoparticles in complex with lactate dehydrogenase form a core–shell bionanocomposite. The practical applications lie primarily in the biomedical field and plant cultivation, with significant implications for medicine and food production. A more thorough understanding of the underlying mechanisms, as well as studies to determine precise dosages and application methods, is critical. Investigating the biological activity of Fh NPs under both physiological and pathological conditions will facilitate the development of biologically informed engineering strategies for new Fh-based agents aimed at treating serious human diseases, improving plant mineral nutrition, protecting plants from phytopathogens, and remediating soil. Future directions include engineering nano-agrochemicals by functionalizing nanoforms tailored to specific crop types and soils with distinct physicochemical properties.
SN - 2079-4991
ER -