journal article·2026-04Open access

MicrobeDiscover: A Knowledge Graph–Enabled AI Framework for Identifying Microbes for Inorganic Nanomaterial Biosynthesis

Ludi Wang, Hexing Han, Yufeng Liu, Zhiyuan Ning, Yujie Ma, Haidan Wang, Jinling Xu, Qiansheng Huang, Wenjuan Cui, Yuanchun Zhou, Yang Gao, Bin Wang, Yi Du

Advanced Science· Volume 13· Issue 20

Abstract

ABSTRACT As an environmentally friendly, mild, sustainable preparation method for nanomaterials (NMs) and the foundation of microbe‐material hybrid systems, microbial synthesis of NMs hold great promise in the sustainable future. However, reported instances cover only approximately 400 microbes and 90 NMs, merely scratching the surface of the theoretical potential of enormous microbe–NMs combinations. Research methods predominantly based on empirical approaches and trial‐and‐error are significantly challenged in terms of screening efficiency. Here, we introduce an AI‐based framework, MicrobeDiscover, which identifies potential microbes for NM synthesis within a vast search space by integrating and representing microorganisms, NMs, and their interactions. A central component of MicrobeDiscover is a knowledge graph guided by expert insights into microbial synthesis, bridging microbiological and materials science domains to provide the AI model with robust data for screening and predictive modeling. Among the top 20 microorganisms predicted by MicrobeDiscover, the recommendation success efficiency reached 80.77%. Leveraging the framework's predictions, we successfully synthesized several kinds of trimetallic NMs using Shewanella oneidensis MR‐1 as suggested by MicrobeDiscover, in the context of non‐trimetallic NMs were reported producing in a biosynthetic way. This approach is anticipated to significantly advance the development of effective microorganisms and enhance the controllable synthesis of NMs.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline

Research context

OpenAlex topics: Nanoparticles: synthesis and applications · Microbial Fuel Cells and Bioremediation · Graphene and Nanomaterials Applications

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Computer Network Information Center Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China

University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China

CAS Key Laboratory of Nanosystem and Hierarchical Fabrication National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST) Beijing China

Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study UCAS Hangzhou China

Institute of Urban Environment (IUE) Chinese Academy of Sciences Xiamen China

School of Ecology and Environment Xizang University Lhasa China

Funding

National Natural Science Foundation of China · National Key Research and Development Program of China · Beijing Nova Program

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