Oxygenic photosynthesis conducted by cyanobacteria has dramatically transformed the geochemistry of our planet. These organisms have colonized most habitats, including extreme environments such as the driest warm desert on Earth: the Atacama Desert. In particular, cyanobacteria highly tolerant to desiccation are of particular interest for clean energy production. These microorganisms are promising candidates for designing bioelectrodes for photocurrent generation owing to their ability to perform oxygenic photosynthesis and to withstand long periods of desiccation. Here, we present bioelectrochemical assays in which graphite electrodes were modified with the extremophile cyanobacterium
Gloeocapsopsis
sp. UTEXB3054 for photocurrent generation. Optimum working conditions for photocurrent generation were determined by modifying directly graphite electrode with the cyanobacterial culture (direct electron transfer), as well as using an Os polymer redox mediator (mediated electron transfer). Besides showing outstanding photocurrent production for
Gloeocapsopsis
sp. UTEXB3054, both in direct and mediated electron transfer, our results provide new insights into the metabolic basis of photocurrent generation and the potential applications of such an assisted bioelectrochemical system in a worldwide scenario in which clean energies are imperative for sustainable development.
Background
In this article we would like to touch on the key role played by the microbiota in the maintenance of a sustainable environment in the entire planet. For obvious reasons, this article does not intend to review thoroughly this extremely complex topic, but rather to focus on the main threats that this natural scenario is presently facing.
Methods
Recent literature survey.
Results
Despite the relevance of microorganisms have in our planet, the effects of climate change on microbial communities have been scarcely and not systematically addressed in literature. Although the role of microorganisms in emissions of greenhouse gases has received some attention, there are several microbial processes that are affected by climate change with consequences that are presently under assessment. Among them, host-pathogen interactions, the microbiome of built environment, or relations among plants and beneficial microbes.
Conclusions
Further research is required to advance in knowledge of the effect of climate change on microbial communities. One of the main targets should be a complete evaluation of the global microbial functional diversity and the design of new strategies to cope with limitations in methods to grow microorganisms in the laboratory. These efforts should contribute to raise a general public awareness on the major role played by the microbiota on the various Earth ecosystems.
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