Microbial Electrochemical Systems with Future Perspectives using Advanced Nanomaterials and Microfluidics

Abstract

Microbial electrochemical systems are intensively discussed as new devices for producing energy or chemicals. In the last years progress in the terms of efficiency and applicability has been achieved. However the potential influence of nanotechnological approaches in the design of such systems with future perspectives of using nanobiosystems as scalable systems have not been addressed. After discussing recent achievements in this field an outlook to the future development of corresponding technology is given, suggesting an interdisciplinary approach.

Layer-to-layer distance determines the performance of 3D bio-electrochemical lamellar anodes in microbial energy transduction processes

“…Aligned to the current pushing challenge of revaluating urban and industrial wastewaters, microbial electrochemical technologies (METs) have emerged to efficiently interconvert chemical and electrical energy. 1,2 Hand in hand with this approach, microbial energy conversion has been explored as an alternative way for transitioning to sustainable energy technologies. 3 In particular, microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have come up as promising devices to directly drive electrons from contaminating organic molecules to polarized anodes, by harnessing the metabolic routes of electro-active bacteria.…”

Enhanced Bioelectrocatalysis of Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 by a Naphthoquinone Redox Polymer

“…12 Although DET is preferable in MFCs, the electrical current and power output generated from a DET-based system is usually lower (because of sluggish ET rates) than that of a MET-based system. To improve EET from microorganisms, substantial research was dedicated mostly to engineering microorganisms 14 and developing new advanced materials 15 as well as configurations and prototypes of MFCs. 5 In a single-chamber MFC constructed with carbon fiber brush anode and Pt cathode, the maximum power of 0.332 ± 0.021 W m −2 was reported with pure culture of S. oneidensis MR-1.…”

“…To improve EET from microorganisms, substantial research was dedicated mostly to engineering microorganisms and developing new advanced materials as well as configurations and prototypes of MFCs . In a single-chamber MFC constructed with carbon fiber brush anode and Pt cathode, the maximum power of 0.332 ± 0.021 W m –2 was reported with pure culture of S. oneidensis MR-1 .…”

3D Microcontact Printing for Combined Chemical and Topographical Patterning on Porous Cell Culture Membrane

“…This technique has the potential to be used on other thermoplastic biopolymers, and additionally more complex geometries could be implemented. This opens promising perspectives for mimicking and biofabrication of free-form complex morphologies with applications in biotechnology, e.g., more native tissue-like microarchitectures or biofuel cells …”