Fabrication of the macro and micro-scale microbial fuel cells to monitor oxalate biodegradation in human urine

Abstract

This study presented the fabrication of macro and micro-scale microbial fuel cells (MFCs) to generate bioelectricity from oxalate solution and monitor the biodegradation in a micro-scale MFC for the first time. The maximum generated power density of 44.16 W m−3 in the micro-scale MFC elucidated its application as a micro-sized power generator for implantable medical devices (IMDs). It is also worthwhile noting that for the macro-scale MFC, the significant amounts of open circuit voltage, oxalate removal, and coulombic efficiency were about 935 mV, 99%, and 44.2%, respectively. These values compared to previously published studies indicate successful oxalate biodegradation in the macro-scale MFC. Regarding critical challenges to determine the substrate concentration in microfluidic outlets, sample collection in a suitable time and online data reporting, an analogy was made between macro and micro-scale MFCs to elicit correlations defining the output current density as the inlet and the outlet oxalate concentration. Another use of the system as an IMD is to be a platform to identify urolithiasis and hyperoxaluria diseases. As a versatile device for power generation and oxalate biodegradation monitoring, the use of facile and cheap materials (< $1.5 per device) and utilization of human excreta are exceptional features of the manufactured micro-scale MFC.

Over-expressing NadA quinolinate synthase inEscherichia colienhances the bioelectrochemistry in microbial fuel cells

“…The microbial fuel cell (MFC) is a bioelectrochemical reactor that generates electricity from organic substrates using electricity-producing microorganisms ( Hampton et al, 2021 ; Grzegorz et al, 2019 ). It attracted a lot of attention because of its potential applications in dealing with the energy crisis and sewage treatment ( Liu et al, 2020 ; Li et al, 2018 ; Uwe et al, 2003 ; Yousefi et al, 2021 ). However, low power generating efficiency is still a key bottleneck that needs to be addressed ( Zhang et al, 2017 ; Bruce, 2009 ).…”

Geometric effect of honeycomb on the performance of the recirculation microbial fuel cells

“…5 A combination of macro-and micro-level MFC was fabricated to generate electricity and monitor oxalate biodegradation using affordable material with human excreta. 6 One of the challenges in developing the MFC is the low electricity generated, which is attributed to the low electron transfer between the anode surface and the microorganism. 7 As an alternative to expensive Pt-based catalysts, the use of carbon-based nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes, carbon nanofibers, and graphene has resonated with the research community of MFCs.…”

“…A bufferless MFC was evaluated for its flow shear stress characteristics and has shown maintained pH levels and lower chemical oxygen demand at high shear stress flow 5 . A combination of macro‐and micro‐level MFC was fabricated to generate electricity and monitor oxalate biodegradation using affordable material with human excreta 6 …”