Exploring Metallophore Structure and Function Using Nanoparticle-based and other Analytical Methods

Abstract

Trace metals are essential for microbial physiology, yet their limited availability drives the evolution of metallophores, which are specialized molecules for metal acquisition. This thesis explores siderophore structure and function using and advanced LC-MS experimental workflows. First, escherichelin, a metabolite from Escherichia coli Nissle 1917, has been shown to possess zinc-binding potential. Second, marine Microbulbifer species were found to encode conserved RiPP biosynthetic clusters that produce bulbicupramide, a thiooxazole-containing peptide that selectively binds Cu(I), suggesting a chalkophore-like role in benthic ecosystems. Finally, magnetite nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄) were synthesized and optimized for siderophore enrichment under alkaline conditions, demonstrating strong selectivity for desferrioxamine. Untargeted metabolomics confirmed enrichment of diverse secondary metabolites, highlighting the utility of nanoparticle-based platforms for selective metabolite class isolation.