Biologically Derived Magnetite Nanoparticles (mNPs) for Use in Electromagnetic Pulse Shielding
Abstract
Modern electronic warfare illustrates the need for innovative yet flexible electromagnetic pulse (EMP) protective capabilities for field-forward electronic equipment and components. The iron ore magnetite is a naturally occurring magnetic rock that can absorb radiation energy. Traditional magnetite nanoparticles (mNPs) produced using physical or chemical means have superparamagnetic properties and are an effective material for radiation shielding. New interest in mNPs from living organisms has arisen after it was discovered that biologically derived mNPs have qualities superior to abiotically produced mNPs, such as high chemical purity, low toxicity, good biocompatibility, and environmentally friendly production. Here, the bacterial mNP producer Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense was used in large-scale microbially derived mNP production, delivering a new material production and functionalization capability to the U.S. Army Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (now the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Chemical Biological Center [CCDC CBC]; Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD). These milled and characterized mNPs could eventually be incorporated into an environmentally friendly, soy-based foam to make a customizable and sprayable EMP protective material. In the future, CCDC CBCs investments in synthetic biology, protein engineering, additive manufacturing, and materials science may leverage these mNPs to develop new materials and manufacturing capabilities across the CCDC CBC enterprise.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1098074
Entities
People
- Alena M. Calm
- Alice M. Savage
- Frederick L Beyer
- Joe F. Kragl
- Kelley Betts
- Michael Kim
- Scott Walck
Organizations
- United States Army Combat Capabilities Development Command