Magnetotactic Bacteria
Definition
Magnetotactic bacteria are a type of bacteria that contain the magnetosome organelle which, through biomineralization, produces paramagnetic iron oxide. The iron oxide forms forms magnetic, single-domain, colloids that during formation line up with the earths magnetic field. Having these nanoparticles inside the cell leads to a normal alignment of the bacteria towards the bottom of the ocean where more anaerobic conditions exist. The flagellum of these bacteria then propel it to these conditions where the bacteria thrive. They were first discovered in the 1960s.
Applications
Because magnetotactic bacteria are so small, yet have large colloids which are single domains, they have been used to identify the polarity of very small magnetic domains, such as those found in geological rocks. Also these colloids have a very tight range of lengths, being quite monodisperse, which may lead to future applications. Finally, like in this paper, xxxxxx, there may be applications in the fact that the bacteria shield the magnetic forces of there magnetic colloids quite well.
Economics
Epoxy is often used in the developing world for its uses in building. In fact, China accounts for 30% of the worldwide usage of epoxy ($15 billion world wide). The three largest producers of Epoxy are Hexion, Dow Chemical, and Huntsman's Corporation for Advanced Materials. Each of these companies allow the epoxy to be easily tuned for adhesive and mechanical properties using a variety of chemicals in addition to the basic monomers, such as things to increase or reduce viscosity.
References
http://pslc.ws/macrog/epoxy.htm
and other info gathered from a google search of "epoxy", including company websites.
