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Bacterial Flagellum versus Carbon Nanotube: A Review Article on the Potential of Bacterial Flagellum as a Sustainable and Green Substance for the Synthesis of Nanotubes

Author

Listed:
  • Charles Ng Wai Chun

    (Bioprocess Technology Division, School of Industrial Technology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang 11800, Malaysia)

  • Husnul Azan Tajarudin

    (Bioprocess Technology Division, School of Industrial Technology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang 11800, Malaysia)

  • Norli Ismail

    (Environmental Division, School of Industrial Technology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang 11800, Malaysia)

  • Baharin Azahari

    (Bioresource, Paper and Coatings Division, School of Industrial Technology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang 11800, Malaysia)

  • Muaz Mohd Zaini Makhtar

    (Bioprocess Technology Division, School of Industrial Technology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang 11800, Malaysia)

  • Leong Kah Yan

    (Bioprocess Technology Division, School of Industrial Technology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang 11800, Malaysia)

Abstract

Bacterial flagella are complex multicomponent structures that help in cell locomotion. It is composed of three major structural components: the hook, the filament and basal body. The special mechanical properties of flagellar components make them useful for the applications in nanotechnology especially in nanotube formation. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are nanometer scale tube-shaped material and it is very useful in many applications. However, the production of CNTs is costly and detrimental to the environment as it pollutes the environment. Therefore, bacterial flagella have become a highly interesting research area especially in producing bacterial nanotubes that could replace CNTs. In this review article, we will discuss about bacterial flagellum and carbon nanotubes in the context of their types and applications. Then, we will focus and review on the characteristics of bacterial flagellum in comparison to carbon nanotubes and subsequently, the advantages of bacterial flagellum as nanotubes in comparison with carbon nanotubes.

Suggested Citation

  • Charles Ng Wai Chun & Husnul Azan Tajarudin & Norli Ismail & Baharin Azahari & Muaz Mohd Zaini Makhtar & Leong Kah Yan, 2020. "Bacterial Flagellum versus Carbon Nanotube: A Review Article on the Potential of Bacterial Flagellum as a Sustainable and Green Substance for the Synthesis of Nanotubes," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(1), pages 1-23, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2020:i:1:p:21-:d:466439
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Gemma Reguera & Kevin D. McCarthy & Teena Mehta & Julie S. Nicoll & Mark T. Tuominen & Derek R. Lovley, 2005. "Extracellular electron transfer via microbial nanowires," Nature, Nature, vol. 435(7045), pages 1098-1101, June.
    2. Briant Kang Xian Ho & Baharin Azahari & Mohd Firdaus Bin Yhaya & Amir Talebi & Charles Wai Chun Ng & Husnul Azan Tajarudin & Norli Ismail, 2020. "Green Technology Approach for Reinforcement of Calcium Chloride Cured Sodium Alginate Films by Isolated Bacteria from Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME)," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(22), pages 1-13, November.
    3. Max M. Shulaker & Gage Hills & Nishant Patil & Hai Wei & Hong-Yu Chen & H.-S. Philip Wong & Subhasish Mitra, 2013. "Carbon nanotube computer," Nature, Nature, vol. 501(7468), pages 526-530, September.
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