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

Charles Ng Wai Chun, Husnul Azan Tajarudin, Norli Ismail, Baharin Azahari, Muaz Mohd Zaini Makhtar and Leong Kah Yan
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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

Sustainability, 2020, vol. 13, issue 1, 1-23

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.

Keywords: bacterial flagella; bacterial nanotubes; carbon nanotubes; applications of bacterial flagella; applications of carbon nanotubes (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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