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Lovley DR. Electrotrophy: Other microbial species, iron, and electrodes as electron donors for microbial respirations. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2022; 345:126553. [PMID: 34906705 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2021.126553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Electrotrophy, the growth of microbes on extracellular electron donors, drives important biogeochemical cycles and has practical applications. Studies of Fe(II)-based electrotrophy have provided foundational cytochrome-based mechanistic models for electron transport into cells. Direct electron uptake from other microbial species, Fe(0), or cathodes is of intense interest due to its potential roles in the production and anaerobic oxidation of methane, corrosion, and bioelectrochemical technologies. Other cells or Fe(0) can serve as the sole electron donor supporting the growth of several Geobacter and methanogen strains that are unable to use H2 as an electron donor, providing strong evidence for electrotrophy. Additional evidence for electrotrophy in Geobacter strains and Methanosarcina acetivorans is a requirement for outer-surface c-type cytochromes. However, in most instances claims for electrotrophy in anaerobes are based on indirect inference and the possibility that H2 is actually the electron donor supporting growth has not been rigorously excluded.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek R Lovley
- Electrobiomaterials Institute, Key Laboratory for Anisotropy and Texture of Materials (Ministry of Education), Northeastern University, Shenyang 110819, China; Department of Microbiology and Institute for Applied Life Sciences (IALS), University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA.
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Novel Methanobacterium Strain Induces Severe Corrosion by Retrieving Electrons from Fe0 under a Freshwater Environment. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10020270. [PMID: 35208725 PMCID: PMC8880523 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10020270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Methanogens capable of accepting electrons from Fe0 cause severe corrosion in anoxic conditions. In previous studies, all iron-corrosive methanogenic isolates were obtained from marine environments. However, the presence of methanogens with corrosion ability using Fe0 as an electron donor and their contribution to corrosion in freshwater systems is unknown. Therefore, to understand the role of methanogens in corrosion under anoxic conditions in a freshwater environment, we investigated the corrosion activities of methanogens in samples collected from groundwater and rivers. We enriched microorganisms that can grow with CO2/NaHCO3 and Fe0 as the sole carbon source and electron donor, respectively, in ground freshwater. Methanobacterium sp. TO1, which induces iron corrosion, was isolated from freshwater. Electrochemical analysis revealed that strain TO1 can uptake electrons from the cathode at lower than −0.61 V vs SHE and has a redox-active component with electrochemical potential different from those of other previously reported methanogens with extracellular electron transfer ability. This study indicated the corrosion risk by methanogens capable of taking up electrons from Fe0 in anoxic freshwater environments and the necessity of understanding the corrosion mechanism to contribute to risk diagnosis.
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53
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Lamin A, Kaksonen AH, Cole IS, Chen XB. Quorum sensing inhibitors applications: a new prospect for mitigation of microbiologically influenced corrosion. Bioelectrochemistry 2022; 145:108050. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2022.108050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Pillot G, Amin Ali O, Davidson S, Shintu L, Combet-Blanc Y, Godfroy A, Bonin P, Liebgott PP. Evolution of Thermophilic Microbial Communities from a Deep-Sea Hydrothermal Chimney under Electrolithoautotrophic Conditions with Nitrate. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9122475. [PMID: 34946077 PMCID: PMC8705573 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9122475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have shown the presence of an abiotic electrical current across the walls of deep-sea hydrothermal chimneys, allowing the growth of electroautotrophic microbial communities. To understand the role of the different phylogenetic groups and metabolisms involved, this study focused on electrotrophic enrichment with nitrate as electron acceptor. The biofilm density, community composition, production of organic compounds, and electrical consumption were monitored by FISH confocal microscopy, qPCR, metabarcoding, NMR, and potentiostat measurements. A statistical analysis by PCA showed the correlation between the different parameters (qPCR, organic compounds, and electron acceptors) in three distinct temporal phases. In our conditions, the Archaeoglobales have been shown to play a key role in the development of the community as the first colonizers on the cathode and the first producers of organic compounds, which are then used as an organic source by heterotrophs. Finally, through subcultures of the community, we showed the development of a greater biodiversity over time. This observed phenomenon could explain the biodiversity development in hydrothermal contexts, where energy sources are transient and unstable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Pillot
- Aix Marseille Université, Université de Toulon, CNRS, IRD, MIO UM 110, 13288 Marseille, France; (G.P.); (O.A.A.); (S.D.); (Y.C.-B.); (P.B.)
| | - Oulfat Amin Ali
- Aix Marseille Université, Université de Toulon, CNRS, IRD, MIO UM 110, 13288 Marseille, France; (G.P.); (O.A.A.); (S.D.); (Y.C.-B.); (P.B.)
| | - Sylvain Davidson
- Aix Marseille Université, Université de Toulon, CNRS, IRD, MIO UM 110, 13288 Marseille, France; (G.P.); (O.A.A.); (S.D.); (Y.C.-B.); (P.B.)
| | - Laetitia Shintu
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS Centrale Marseille, iSm2, 13284 Marseille, France;
| | - Yannick Combet-Blanc
- Aix Marseille Université, Université de Toulon, CNRS, IRD, MIO UM 110, 13288 Marseille, France; (G.P.); (O.A.A.); (S.D.); (Y.C.-B.); (P.B.)
| | - Anne Godfroy
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie des Environnements Extrêmes, Université de Bretagne Occidentale, CNRS, IFREMER, 29280 Plouzané, France;
| | - Patricia Bonin
- Aix Marseille Université, Université de Toulon, CNRS, IRD, MIO UM 110, 13288 Marseille, France; (G.P.); (O.A.A.); (S.D.); (Y.C.-B.); (P.B.)
| | - Pierre-Pol Liebgott
- Aix Marseille Université, Université de Toulon, CNRS, IRD, MIO UM 110, 13288 Marseille, France; (G.P.); (O.A.A.); (S.D.); (Y.C.-B.); (P.B.)
- Correspondence:
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Photoferrotrophy and phototrophic extracellular electron uptake is common in the marine anoxygenic phototroph Rhodovulum sulfidophilum. THE ISME JOURNAL 2021; 15:3384-3398. [PMID: 34054125 PMCID: PMC8528915 DOI: 10.1038/s41396-021-01015-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Photoferrotrophy allows anoxygenic phototrophs to use reduced iron as an electron donor for primary productivity. Recent work shows that freshwater photoferrotrophs can use electrons from solid-phase conductive substances via phototrophic extracellular electron uptake (pEEU), and the two processes share the underlying electron uptake mechanism. However, the ability of marine phototrophs to perform photoferrotrophy and pEEU, and the contribution of these processes to primary productivity is largely unknown. To fill this knowledge gap, we isolated 15 new strains of the marine anoxygenic phototroph Rhodovulum sulfidophilum on electron donors such as acetate and thiosulfate. We observed that all of the R. sulfidophilum strains isolated can perform photoferrotrophy. We chose strain AB26 as a representative strain to study further, and find that it can also perform pEEU from poised electrodes. We show that during pEEU, AB26 transfers electrons to the photosynthetic electron transport chain. Furthermore, systems biology-guided mutant analysis shows that R. sulfidophilum AB26 uses a previously unknown diheme cytochrome c protein, which we call EeuP, for pEEU but not photoferrotrophy. Homologs of EeuP occur in a range of widely distributed marine microbes. Overall, these results suggest that photoferrotrophy and pEEU contribute to the biogeochemical cycling of iron and carbon in marine ecosystems.
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Response of Methanogen Communities to the Elevation of Cathode Potentials in Bioelectrochemical Reactors Amended with Magnetite. Appl Environ Microbiol 2021; 87:e0148821. [PMID: 34432490 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01488-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Electromethanogenesis refers to the process whereby methanogens utilize current for the reduction of CO2 to CH4. Setting low cathode potentials is essential for this process. In this study, we tested if magnetite, an iron oxide mineral widespread in the environment, can facilitate the adaptation of methanogen communities to the elevation of cathode potentials in electrochemical reactors. Two-chamber electrochemical reactors were constructed with inoculants obtained from paddy field soil. We elevated cathode potentials stepwise from the initial -0.6 V versus the standard hydrogen electrode (SHE) to -0.5 V and then to -0.4 V over the 130 days of acclimation. Only weak current consumption and CH4 production were observed in the bioreactors without magnetite. However, significant current consumption and CH4 production were recorded in the magnetite bioreactors. The robustness of electroactivity of the magnetite bioreactors was not affected by the elevation of cathode potentials from -0.6 V to -0.4 V. However, the current consumption and CH4 production were halted in the bioreactors without magnetite when the cathode potentials were elevated to -0.4 V. Methanogens related to Methanospirillum were enriched on the cathode surfaces of magnetite bioreactors at -0.4 V, while Methanosarcina relatively dominated in the bioreactors without magnetite. Methanobacterium also increased in the magnetite bioreactors but stayed off electrodes at -0.4 V. Apparently, the magnetite greatly facilitates the development of biocathodes, and it appears that with the aid of magnetite, Methanospirillum spp. can adapt to the high cathode potentials, performing efficient electromethanogenesis. IMPORTANCE Converting CO2 to CH4 through bioelectrochemistry is a promising approach to the development of green energy biotechnology. This process, however, requires low cathode potentials, which entails a cost. In this study, we tested if magnetite, a conductive iron mineral, can facilitate the adaptation of methanogens to the elevation of cathode potentials. In two-chamber reactors constructed by using inoculants obtained from paddy field soil, biocathodes developed robustly in the presence of magnetite, whereas only weak activities in CH4 production and current consumption were observed in the bioreactors without magnetite. The elevation of cathode potentials did not affect the robustness of electroactivity of the magnetite bioreactors over the 130 days of acclimation. Methanospirillum strains were identified as the key methanogens associated with the cathode surfaces during the operation at high potentials. The findings reported in this study shed new light on the adaptation of methanogen communities to the elevated cathode potentials in the presence of magnetite.
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57
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Tong T, Chen X, Hu G, Wang XL, Liu GQ, Liu L. Engineering microbial metabolic energy homeostasis for improved bioproduction. Biotechnol Adv 2021; 53:107841. [PMID: 34610353 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2021.107841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Metabolic energy (ME) homeostasis is essential for the survival and proper functioning of microbial cell factories. However, it is often disrupted during bioproduction because of inefficient ME supply and excessive ME consumption. In this review, we propose strategies, including reinforcement of the capacity of ME-harvesting systems in autotrophic microorganisms; enhancement of the efficiency of ME-supplying pathways in heterotrophic microorganisms; and reduction of unessential ME consumption by microbial cells, to address these issues. This review highlights the potential of biotechnology in the engineering of microbial ME homeostasis and provides guidance for the higher efficient bioproduction of microbial cell factories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Tong
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Forestry Biotechnology, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China; International Cooperation Base of Science and Technology Innovation on Forest Resource Biotechnology of Hunan Province, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China
| | - Xiulai Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; International Joint Laboratory on Food Safety, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Guipeng Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; International Joint Laboratory on Food Safety, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Xiao-Ling Wang
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Forestry Biotechnology, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China; International Cooperation Base of Science and Technology Innovation on Forest Resource Biotechnology of Hunan Province, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China
| | - Gao-Qiang Liu
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Forestry Biotechnology, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China; International Cooperation Base of Science and Technology Innovation on Forest Resource Biotechnology of Hunan Province, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China.
| | - Liming Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; International Joint Laboratory on Food Safety, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.
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58
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Stainless steel corrosion via direct iron-to-microbe electron transfer by Geobacter species. THE ISME JOURNAL 2021; 15:3084-3093. [PMID: 33972726 PMCID: PMC8443633 DOI: 10.1038/s41396-021-00990-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Microbial corrosion of iron-based materials is a substantial economic problem. A mechanistic understanding is required to develop mitigation strategies, but previous mechanistic studies have been limited to investigations with relatively pure Fe(0), which is not a common structural material. We report here that the mechanism for microbial corrosion of stainless steel, the metal of choice for many actual applications, can be significantly different from that for Fe(0). Although H2 is often an intermediary electron carrier between the metal and microbes during Fe(0) corrosion, we found that H2 is not abiotically produced from stainless steel, making this corrosion mechanism unlikely. Geobacter sulfurreducens and Geobacter metallireducens, electrotrophs that are known to directly accept electrons from other microbes or electrodes, extracted electrons from stainless steel via direct iron-to-microbe electron transfer. Genetic modification to prevent H2 consumption did not negatively impact on stainless steel corrosion. Corrosion was inhibited when genes for outer-surface cytochromes that are key electrical contacts were deleted. These results indicate that a common model of microbial Fe(0) corrosion by hydrogenase-positive microbes, in which H2 serves as an intermediary electron carrier between the metal surface and the microbe, may not apply to the microbial corrosion of stainless steel. However, direct iron-to-microbe electron transfer is a feasible route for stainless steel corrosion.
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Grigoryan AA, Jalique DR, Stroes-Gascoyne S, Wolfaardt GM, Keech PG, Korber DR. Prediction of bacterial functional diversity in clay microcosms. Heliyon 2021; 7:e08131. [PMID: 34703919 PMCID: PMC8524152 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e08131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Microorganisms in clay barriers could affect the long-term performance of waste containers in future deep geological repositories (DGR) for used nuclear fuel through production of corrosive metabolites (e.g., sulfide), which is why clay materials are highly compacted: to reduce both physical space and access to water for microorganisms to grow. However, the highly compacted nature of clays and the resulting low activity or dormancy of microorganisms complicate the extraction of biomarkers (i.e., PLFA, DNA etc.) from such barriers for predictive analysis of microbial risks. In order to overcome these challenges, we have combined culture- and 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing-based approaches to describe the functional diversity of microorganisms in several commercial clay products, including two different samples of Wyoming type MX-80 bentonite (Batch 1 and Batch 2), the reference clay for a future Canadian DGR, and Avonlea type Canaprill, a clay sample for comparison. Microorganisms from as-received bentonites were enriched in anoxic 10% w/v clay microcosms for three months at ambient temperature with addition of 10% hydrogen along with presumable indigenous organics and sulfate in the clay. High-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA gene fragments indicated a high abundance of Gram-positive bacteria of the phylum Firmicutes (82%) in MX-80 Batch 1 incubations. Bacterial libraries from microcosms with MX-80 Batch 2 were enriched with Firmicutes (53%) and Chloroflexi (43%). Firmicutes also significantly contributed (<15%) to the bacterial community in Canaprill clay microcosm, which was dominated by Gram-negative Proteobacteria (>70%). Sequence analysis revealed presence of the bacterial families Peptostreptococcaceae, Clostridiaceae, Peptococcaceae, Bacillaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, Veillonellaceae, Tissierellaceae and Planococcaceae in MX-80 Batch 1 incubations; Bacillaceae, along with unidentified bacteria of the phylum Chloroflexi, in MX-80 Batch 2 clay microcosms, and Pseudomonadaceae, Hydrogenophilaceae, Bacillaceae, Desulfobacteraceae, Desulfobulbaceae, Peptococcaceae, Pelobacteraceae, Alcaligenaceae, Rhodospirillaceae in Canaprill microcosms. Exploration of potential metabolic pathways in the bacterial communities from the clay microcosms suggested variable patterns of sulfur cycling in the different clays with the possible prevalence of bacterial sulfate-reduction in MX-80 bentonite, and probably successive sulfate-reduction/sulfur-oxidation reactions in Canaprill microcosms. Furthermore, analysis of potential metabolic pathways in the bentonite enrichments suggested that bacteria with acid-producing capabilities (i.e., fermenters and acetogens) together with sulfide-producing prokaryotes might perhaps contribute to corrosion risks in clay systems. However, the low activity or dormancy of microorganisms in highly compacted bentonites as a result of severe environmental constraints (e.g., low water activity and high swelling pressure in the confined bentonite) in situ would be expected to largely inhibit bacterial activity in highly compacted clay-based barriers in a future DGR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander A. Grigoryan
- Department of Food and Bioproducts Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
- Saudi Arabian Oil Company, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Daphne R. Jalique
- Department of Food and Bioproducts Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
- Lallemand Inc., Saskatoon, Canada
| | - Simcha Stroes-Gascoyne
- Department of Food and Bioproducts Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
| | - Gideon M. Wolfaardt
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Ryerson University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Microbiology, University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Darren R. Korber
- Department of Food and Bioproducts Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
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Krohn I, Bergmann L, Qi M, Indenbirken D, Han Y, Perez-Garcia P, Katzowitsch E, Hägele B, Lübcke T, Siry C, Riemann R, Alawi M, Streit WR. Deep (Meta)genomics and (Meta)transcriptome Analyses of Fungal and Bacteria Consortia From Aircraft Tanks and Kerosene Identify Key Genes in Fuel and Tank Corrosion. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:722259. [PMID: 34675897 PMCID: PMC8525681 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.722259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbial contamination of fuels, associated with a wide variety of bacteria and fungi, leads to decreased product quality and can compromise equipment performance by biofouling or microbiologically influenced corrosion. Detection and quantification of microorganisms are critical in monitoring fuel systems for an early detection of microbial contaminations. To address these challenges, we have analyzed six metagenomes, one transcriptome, and more than 1,200 fluid and swab samples taken from fuel tanks or kerosene. Our deep metagenome sequencing and binning approaches in combination with RNA-seq data and qPCR methods implied a metabolic symbiosis between fungi and bacteria. The most abundant bacteria were affiliated with α-, β-, and γ-Proteobacteria and the filamentous fungi Amorphotheca. We identified a high number of genes, which are related to kerosene degradation and biofilm formation. Surprisingly, a large number of genes coded enzymes involved in polymer degradation and potential bio-corrosion processes. Thereby, the transcriptionally most active microorganisms were affiliated with the genera Methylobacteria, Pseudomonas, Kocuria, Amorpotheka, Aspergillus, Fusarium, and Penicillium. Many not yet cultured bacteria and fungi appeared to contribute to the biofilm transcriptional activities. The largest numbers of transcripts were observed for dehydrogenase, oxygenase, and exopolysaccharide production, attachment and pili/flagella-associated proteins, efflux pumps, and secretion systems as well as lipase and esterase activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Krohn
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Institute of Plant Science and Microbiology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Lutgardis Bergmann
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Institute of Plant Science and Microbiology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Minyue Qi
- Bioinformatics Core, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Daniela Indenbirken
- Virus Genomics, Heinrich-Pette-Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Yuchen Han
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Institute of Plant Science and Microbiology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Pablo Perez-Garcia
- Institute of General Microbiology, Molecular Microbiology, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Elena Katzowitsch
- Faculty of Medicine, Core Unit Systems Medicine, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - Tim Lübcke
- T/TQ-MN, Lufthansa Technik AG HAM, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Ralf Riemann
- T/TQ-MN, Lufthansa Technik AG HAM, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Malik Alawi
- Bioinformatics Core, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang R Streit
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Institute of Plant Science and Microbiology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
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Kuruvinashetti K, Kornienko N. Pushing the methodological envelope in understanding the photo/electrosynthetic materials-microorganism interface. iScience 2021; 24:103049. [PMID: 34553134 PMCID: PMC8441150 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Biohybrid photo/electrosynthetic systems synergize microbial metabolic pathways and inorganic materials to generate the fuels and chemicals to power our society. They aim to combine the strengths of product selectivity from biological cells and efficient charge generation and light absorption of inorganic materials. However crucial mechanistic questions still remain. In this review we address significant knowledge gaps that must be closed and recent efforts to do so to push biohybrid systems closer to applicability. In particular, we focus on noteworthy advances that have recently been made in applying state-of-the-art analytical spectroscopic, electrochemical, and microelectronic techniques to help pinpoint key complexities of the microbe-materials interface. We discuss the basic function of these techniques, how they have been translated over to study biohybrid systems, and which key insights and implications have been extracted. Finally, we delve into the key advances necessary for the design of next generation biohybrid energy conversion systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiran Kuruvinashetti
- Department of Chemistry, Université de Montréal, 1375 Avenue Thérèse-Lavoie-Roux, Montréal, QC H2V 0B3 Canada
| | - Nikolay Kornienko
- Department of Chemistry, Université de Montréal, 1375 Avenue Thérèse-Lavoie-Roux, Montréal, QC H2V 0B3 Canada
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62
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Xu B, Li Z, Jiang Y, Chen M, Chen B, Xin F, Dong W, Jiang M. Recent advances in the improvement of bi-directional electron transfer between abiotic/biotic interfaces in electron-assisted biosynthesis system. Biotechnol Adv 2021; 54:107810. [PMID: 34333092 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2021.107810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
As an important biosynthesis technology, electron-assisted biosynthesis (EABS) system can utilize exogenous electrons to regulate the metabolic network of microorganisms, realizing the biosynthesis of high value-added chemicals and CO2 fixation. Electrons play crucial roles as the energy carriers in the EABS process. In fact, efficient interfacial electron transfer (ET) is the decisive factor to realize the rapid energy exchange, thus stimulating the biosynthesis of target metabolic products. However, due to the interfacial resistance of ET between the abiotic solid electrode and biotic microbial cells, the low efficiency of interfacial ET has become a major bottleneck, further limiting the practical application of EABS system. As the cell membrane is insulated, even the cell membrane embedded electron conduit (no matter cytochromes or channel protein for shuttle transferring) to increase the cell membrane conductivity, the ET between membrane electron conduit and electrode surface is kinetically restricted. In this review, the pathway of bi-directional interfacial ET in EABS system was summarized. Furthermore, we reviewed representative milestones and advances in both the anode outward interfacial ET (from organism to electrode) and cathode inward interfacial ET (from electrode to organism). Here, new insights from the perspectives of material science and synthetic biology were also proposed, which were expected to provide some innovative opinions and ideas for the following in-depth studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, PR China
| | - Zhe Li
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, PR China
| | - Yujia Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, PR China
| | - Minjiao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, PR China
| | - Boryann Chen
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, National I-Lan University, I-Lan 26047, Taiwan
| | - Fengxue Xin
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, PR China; Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials (SICAM), Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211800, PR China
| | - Weiliang Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, PR China; Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials (SICAM), Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211800, PR China.
| | - Min Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, PR China; Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials (SICAM), Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211800, PR China.
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63
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Pillot G, Amin Ali O, Davidson S, Shintu L, Godfroy A, Combet-Blanc Y, Bonin P, Liebgott PP. Identification of enriched hyperthermophilic microbial communities from a deep-sea hydrothermal vent chimney under electrolithoautotrophic culture conditions. Sci Rep 2021; 11:14782. [PMID: 34285254 PMCID: PMC8292307 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-94135-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Deep-sea hydrothermal vents are extreme and complex ecosystems based on a trophic chain. We are still unsure of the identities of the first colonizers of these environments and their metabolism, but they are thought to be (hyper)thermophilic autotrophs. Here we investigate whether the electric potential observed across hydrothermal chimneys could serve as an energy source for these first colonizers. Experiments were performed in a two-chamber microbial electrochemical system inoculated with deep-sea hydrothermal chimney samples, with a cathode as sole electron donor, CO2 as sole carbon source, and nitrate, sulfate, or oxygen as electron acceptors. After a few days of culturing, all three experiments showed growth of electrotrophic biofilms consuming the electrons (directly or indirectly) and producing organic compounds including acetate, glycerol, and pyruvate. Within the biofilms, the only known autotroph species retrieved were members of Archaeoglobales. Various heterotrophic phyla also grew through trophic interactions, with Thermococcales growing in all three experiments as well as other bacterial groups specific to each electron acceptor. This electrotrophic metabolism as energy source driving initial microbial colonization of conductive hydrothermal chimneys is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Pillot
- Aix Marseille Université, Université de Toulon, IRD, CNRS, MIO UM 110, 13288, Marseille Cedex 09, France
| | - Oulfat Amin Ali
- Aix Marseille Université, Université de Toulon, IRD, CNRS, MIO UM 110, 13288, Marseille Cedex 09, France
| | - Sylvain Davidson
- Aix Marseille Université, Université de Toulon, IRD, CNRS, MIO UM 110, 13288, Marseille Cedex 09, France
| | - Laetitia Shintu
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, Centrale Marseille, iSm2, Marseille, France
| | - Anne Godfroy
- IFREMER, CNRS, Université de Bretagne Occidentale, Laboratoire de Microbiologie des Environnements Extrêmes-UMR6197, Ifremer, Centre de Brest CS10070, Plouzané, France
| | - Yannick Combet-Blanc
- Aix Marseille Université, Université de Toulon, IRD, CNRS, MIO UM 110, 13288, Marseille Cedex 09, France
| | - Patricia Bonin
- Aix Marseille Université, Université de Toulon, IRD, CNRS, MIO UM 110, 13288, Marseille Cedex 09, France
| | - Pierre-Pol Liebgott
- Aix Marseille Université, Université de Toulon, IRD, CNRS, MIO UM 110, 13288, Marseille Cedex 09, France.
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64
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Tamisier M, Schmidt M, Vogt C, Kümmel S, Stryhanyuk H, Musat N, Richnow HH, Musat F. Iron corrosion by methanogenic archaea characterized by stable isotope effects and crust mineralogy. Environ Microbiol 2021; 24:583-595. [PMID: 34190386 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.15658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Carbon and hydrogen stable isotope effects associated with methane formation by the corrosive archaeon Methanobacterium strain IM1 were determined during growth with hydrogen and iron. Isotope analyses were complemented by structural, elemental and molecular composition analyses of corrosion crusts. During growth with H2 , strain IM1 formed methane with average δ13 C of -43.5‰ and δ2 H of -370‰. Corrosive growth led to methane more depleted in 13 C, with average δ13 C ranging from -56‰ to -64‰ during the early and the late growth phase respectively. The corresponding δ2 H were less impacted by the growth phase, with average values ranging from -316 to -329‰. The stable isotope fractionation factors, α 13 C CO 2 / CH 4 , were 1.026 and 1.042 for hydrogenotrophic and corrosive growth respectively. Corrosion crusts formed by strain IM1 have a domed structure, appeared electrically conductive and were composed of siderite, calcite and iron sulfide, the latter formed by precipitation of sulfide (from culture medium) with ferrous iron generated during corrosion. Strain IM1 cells were found attached to crust surfaces and encrusted deep inside crust domes. Our results may assist to diagnose methanogens-induced corrosion in the field and suggest that intrusion of sulfide in anoxic settings may stimulate corrosion by methanogenic archaea via formation of semiconductive crusts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Tamisier
- Department of Isotope Biogeochemistry, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, Leipzig, 04318, Germany
| | - Matthias Schmidt
- Department of Isotope Biogeochemistry, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, Leipzig, 04318, Germany
| | - Carsten Vogt
- Department of Isotope Biogeochemistry, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, Leipzig, 04318, Germany
| | - Steffen Kümmel
- Department of Isotope Biogeochemistry, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, Leipzig, 04318, Germany
| | - Hryhoriy Stryhanyuk
- Department of Isotope Biogeochemistry, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, Leipzig, 04318, Germany
| | - Niculina Musat
- Department of Isotope Biogeochemistry, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, Leipzig, 04318, Germany
| | - Hans-Hermann Richnow
- Department of Isotope Biogeochemistry, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, Leipzig, 04318, Germany
| | - Florin Musat
- Department of Isotope Biogeochemistry, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, Leipzig, 04318, Germany
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65
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Palacios PA, Francis WR, Rotaru AE. A Win-Loss Interaction on Fe 0 Between Methanogens and Acetogens From a Climate Lake. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:638282. [PMID: 34054747 PMCID: PMC8158942 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.638282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Diverse physiological groups congregate into environmental corrosive biofilms, yet the interspecies interactions between these corrosive physiological groups are seldom examined. We, therefore, explored Fe0-dependent cross-group interactions between acetogens and methanogens from lake sediments. On Fe0, acetogens were more corrosive and metabolically active when decoupled from methanogens, whereas methanogens were more metabolically active when coupled with acetogens. This suggests an opportunistic (win-loss) interaction on Fe0 between acetogens (loss) and methanogens (win). Clostridia and Methanobacterium were the major candidates doing acetogenesis and methanogenesis after four transfers (metagenome sequencing) and the only groups detected after 11 transfers (amplicon sequencing) on Fe0. Since abiotic H2 failed to explain the high metabolic rates on Fe0, we examined whether cell exudates (spent media filtrate) promoted the H2-evolving reaction on Fe0 above abiotic controls. Undeniably, spent media filtrate generated three- to four-fold more H2 than abiotic controls, which could be partly explained by thermolabile enzymes and partly by non-thermolabile constituents released by cells. Next, we examined the metagenome for candidate enzymes/shuttles that could catalyze H2 evolution from Fe0 and found candidate H2-evolving hydrogenases and an almost complete pathway for flavin biosynthesis in Clostridium. Clostridial ferredoxin-dependent [FeFe]-hydrogenases may be catalyzing the H2-evolving reaction on Fe0, explaining the significant H2 evolved by spent media exposed to Fe0. It is typical of Clostridia to secrete enzymes and other small molecules for lytic purposes. Here, they may secrete such molecules to enhance their own electron uptake from extracellular electron donors but indirectly make their H2-consuming neighbors-Methanobacterium-fare five times better in their presence. The particular enzymes and constituents promoting H2 evolution from Fe0 remain to be determined. However, we postulate that in a static environment like corrosive crust biofilms in lake sediments, less corrosive methanogens like Methanobacterium could extend corrosion long after acetogenesis ceased, by exploiting the constituents secreted by acetogens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Amelia-Elena Rotaru
- Nordcee, Department of Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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66
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Chatzipanagiotou KR, Soekhoe V, Jourdin L, Buisman CJN, Bitter JH, Strik DPBTB. Catalytic Cooperation between a Copper Oxide Electrocatalyst and a Microbial Community for Microbial Electrosynthesis. Chempluschem 2021; 86:763-777. [PMID: 33973736 DOI: 10.1002/cplu.202100119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Electrocatalytic metals and microorganisms can be combined for CO2 conversion in microbial electrosynthesis (MES). However, a systematic investigation on the nature of interactions between metals and MES is still lacking. To investigate this nature, we integrated a copper electrocatalyst, converting CO2 to formate, with microorganisms, converting CO2 to acetate. A co-catalytic (i. e. metabolic) relationship was evident, as up to 140 mg L-1 of formate was produced solely by copper oxide, while formate was also evidently produced by copper and consumed by microorganisms producing acetate. Due to non-metabolic interactions, current density decreased by over 4 times, though acetate yield increased by 3.3 times. Despite the antimicrobial role of copper, biofilm formation was possible on a pure copper surface. Overall, we show for the first time that a CO2 -reducing copper electrocatalyst can be combined with MES under biological conditions, resulting in metabolic and non-metabolic interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantina-Roxani Chatzipanagiotou
- Biobased Chemistry and Technology, Wageningen University & Research, Bornse Weilanden 9, 6708 WG, Wageningen, The Netherlands.,Environmental Technology, Wageningen University & Research, Bornse Weilanden 9, 6708 WG, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Virangni Soekhoe
- Biobased Chemistry and Technology, Wageningen University & Research, Bornse Weilanden 9, 6708 WG, Wageningen, The Netherlands.,Environmental Technology, Wageningen University & Research, Bornse Weilanden 9, 6708 WG, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ludovic Jourdin
- Environmental Technology, Wageningen University & Research, Bornse Weilanden 9, 6708 WG, Wageningen, The Netherlands.,Currently at Department of Biotechnology, Delft University of Technology, van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Cees J N Buisman
- Environmental Technology, Wageningen University & Research, Bornse Weilanden 9, 6708 WG, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - J Harry Bitter
- Biobased Chemistry and Technology, Wageningen University & Research, Bornse Weilanden 9, 6708 WG, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - David P B T B Strik
- Environmental Technology, Wageningen University & Research, Bornse Weilanden 9, 6708 WG, Wageningen, The Netherlands
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67
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Ruth JC, Spormann AM. Enzyme Electrochemistry for Industrial Energy Applications—A Perspective on Future Areas of Focus. ACS Catal 2021. [DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.1c00708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- John C. Ruth
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Alfred M. Spormann
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
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68
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Alqahtani MF, Bajracharya S, Katuri KP, Ali M, Xu J, Alarawi MS, Saikaly PE. Enrichment of salt-tolerant CO 2-fixing communities in microbial electrosynthesis systems using porous ceramic hollow tube wrapped with carbon cloth as cathode and for CO 2 supply. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 766:142668. [PMID: 33077225 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 09/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Microbial inocula from marine origins are less explored for CO2 reduction in microbial electrosynthesis (MES) system, although effective CO2-fixing communities in marine environments are well-documented. We explored natural saline habitats, mainly salt marsh (SM) and mangrove (M) sediments, as potential inoculum sources for enriching salt-tolerant CO2 reducing community using two enrichment strategies: H2:CO2 (80:20) enrichment in serum vials and enrichment in cathode chamber of MES reactors operated at -1.0 V vs. Ag/AgCl. Porous ceramic hollow tube wrapped with carbon cloth was used as cathode and for direct CO2 delivery to CO2 reducing communities growing on the cathode surface. Methanogenesis was dominant in both the M- and SM-seeded MES and the methanogenic Archaea Methanococcus was the most dominant genus. Methane production was slightly higher in the SM-seeded MES (4.9 ± 1.7 mmol) compared to the M-seeded MES (3.8 ± 1.1 mmol). In contrast, acetate production was almost two times higher in the M-seeded MES (3.1 ± 0.9 mmol) than SM-seeded MES (1.5 ± 1.3 mmol). The high relative abundance of the genus Acetobacterium in the M-seeded serum vials correlates with the high acetate production obtained. The different enrichment strategies affected the community composition, though the communities in MES reactors and serum vials were performing similar functions (methanogenesis and acetogenesis). Despite similar operating conditions, the microbial community composition of M-seeded serum vials and MES reactors differed from the SM-seeded serum vials and MES reactors, supporting the importance of inoculum source in the evolution of CO2-reducing microbial communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manal F Alqahtani
- Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE) Division, Water Desalination and Reuse Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Suman Bajracharya
- Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE) Division, Water Desalination and Reuse Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Krishna P Katuri
- Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE) Division, Water Desalination and Reuse Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Ali
- Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE) Division, Water Desalination and Reuse Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jiajie Xu
- Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE) Division, Water Desalination and Reuse Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed S Alarawi
- Computational Biosciences Research Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Pascal E Saikaly
- Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE) Division, Water Desalination and Reuse Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia.
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69
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Analysis of a Methanogen and an Actinobacterium Dominating the Thermophilic Microbial Community of an Electromethanogenic Biocathode. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 2021:8865133. [PMID: 33746613 PMCID: PMC7943316 DOI: 10.1155/2021/8865133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Electromethanogenesis refers to the bioelectrochemical synthesis of methane from CO2 by biocathodes. In an electromethanogenic system using thermophilic microorganisms, metagenomic analysis along with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and fluorescence in situ hybridization revealed that the biocathode microbiota was dominated by the methanogen Methanothermobacter sp. strain EMTCatA1 and the actinobacterium Coriobacteriaceae sp. strain EMTCatB1. RNA sequencing was used to compare the transcriptome profiles of each strain at the methane-producing biocathodes with those in an open circuit and with the methanogenesis inhibitor 2-bromoethanesulfonate (BrES). For the methanogen, genes related to hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis were highly expressed in a manner similar to those observed under H2-limited conditions. For the actinobacterium, the expression profiles of genes encoding multiheme c-type cytochromes and membrane-bound oxidoreductases suggested that the actinobacterium directly takes up electrons from the electrode. In both strains, various stress-related genes were commonly induced in the open-circuit biocathodes and biocathodes with BrES. This study provides a molecular inventory of the dominant species of an electromethanogenic biocathode with functional insights and therefore represents the first multiomics characterization of an electromethanogenic biocathode.
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70
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Gao K, Lu Y. Putative Extracellular Electron Transfer in Methanogenic Archaea. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:611739. [PMID: 33828536 PMCID: PMC8019784 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.611739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been suggested that a few methanogens are capable of extracellular electron transfers. For instance, Methanosarcina barkeri can directly capture electrons from the coexisting microbial cells of other species. Methanothrix harundinacea and Methanosarcina horonobensis retrieve electrons from Geobacter metallireducens via direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET). Recently, Methanobacterium, designated strain YSL, has been found to grow via DIET in the co-culture with Geobacter metallireducens. Methanosarcina acetivorans can perform anaerobic methane oxidation and respiratory growth relying on Fe(III) reduction through the extracellular electron transfer. Methanosarcina mazei is capable of electromethanogenesis under the conditions where electron-transfer mediators like H2 or formate are limited. The membrane-bound multiheme c-type cytochromes (MHC) and electrically-conductive cellular appendages have been assumed to mediate the extracellular electron transfer in bacteria like Geobacter and Shewanella species. These molecules or structures are rare but have been recently identified in a few methanogens. Here, we review the current state of knowledge for the putative extracellular electron transfers in methanogens and highlight the opportunities and challenges for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kailin Gao
- College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yahai Lu
- College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
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71
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Lekbach Y, Liu T, Li Y, Moradi M, Dou W, Xu D, Smith JA, Lovley DR. Microbial corrosion of metals: The corrosion microbiome. Adv Microb Physiol 2021; 78:317-390. [PMID: 34147188 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ampbs.2021.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Microbially catalyzed corrosion of metals is a substantial economic concern. Aerobic microbes primarily enhance Fe0 oxidation through indirect mechanisms and their impact appears to be limited compared to anaerobic microbes. Several anaerobic mechanisms are known to accelerate Fe0 oxidation. Microbes can consume H2 abiotically generated from the oxidation of Fe0. Microbial H2 removal makes continued Fe0 oxidation more thermodynamically favorable. Extracellular hydrogenases further accelerate Fe0 oxidation. Organic electron shuttles such as flavins, phenazines, and possibly humic substances may replace H2 as the electron carrier between Fe0 and cells. Direct Fe0-to-microbe electron transfer is also possible. Which of these anaerobic mechanisms predominates in model pure culture isolates is typically poorly documented because of a lack of functional genetic studies. Microbial mechanisms for Fe0 oxidation may also apply to some other metals. An ultimate goal of microbial metal corrosion research is to develop molecular tools to diagnose the occurrence, mechanisms, and rates of metal corrosion to guide the implementation of the most effective mitigation strategies. A systems biology approach that includes innovative isolation and characterization methods, as well as functional genomic investigations, will be required in order to identify the diagnostic features to be gleaned from meta-omic analysis of corroding materials. A better understanding of microbial metal corrosion mechanisms is expected to lead to new corrosion mitigation strategies. The understanding of the corrosion microbiome is clearly in its infancy, but interdisciplinary electrochemical, microbiological, and molecular tools are available to make rapid progress in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yassir Lekbach
- Shenyang National Laboratory for Materials Science, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China; Electrobiomaterials Institute, Key Laboratory for Anisotropy and Texture of Materials (Ministry of Education), Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Tao Liu
- College of Ocean Science and Engineering, Shanghai Maritime University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingchao Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Failure, Corrosion and Protection of Oil/Gas Facility Materials, College of New Energy and Materials, China University of Petroleum-Beijing, Beijing, China
| | - Masoumeh Moradi
- Shenyang National Laboratory for Materials Science, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China; Electrobiomaterials Institute, Key Laboratory for Anisotropy and Texture of Materials (Ministry of Education), Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Wenwen Dou
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Dake Xu
- Shenyang National Laboratory for Materials Science, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China; Electrobiomaterials Institute, Key Laboratory for Anisotropy and Texture of Materials (Ministry of Education), Northeastern University, Shenyang, China.
| | - Jessica A Smith
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Central Connecticut State University, New Britain, CT, United States
| | - Derek R Lovley
- Electrobiomaterials Institute, Key Laboratory for Anisotropy and Texture of Materials (Ministry of Education), Northeastern University, Shenyang, China; Department of Microbiology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, United States.
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72
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Fontmorin JM, Izadi P, Li D, Lim SS, Farooq S, Bilal SS, Cheng S, Yu EH. Gas diffusion electrodes modified with binary doped polyaniline for enhanced CO2 conversion during microbial electrosynthesis. Electrochim Acta 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2021.137853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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73
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Charalambous P, Vyrides I. In situ biogas upgrading and enhancement of anaerobic digestion of cheese whey by addition of scrap or powder zero-valent iron (ZVI). JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2021; 280:111651. [PMID: 33221048 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.111651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Cheese whey is an easily biodegradable substrate with high organic matter that can be anaerobically digested to biogas; however, the process is often inhibited by excess acidification due to the presence of undissociated volatile fatty acids and requires considerable concentration of alkaline buffer. The current study investigates a new approach for biogas upgrading, and increase of total CH4 in conjunction with buffering acidification by using zero-valent iron (powder and scrap metals at concentrations 25, 50, and 100 g/L) in anaerobic granular sludge and cheese whey under mesophilic batch conditions. During the first 2 cycles (total 34 days), a high performance was found in anaerobic bottles with 25 g/L powder zero valent iron (PZVI) and 50 g/L scrap zero valent iron (SZVI) since they had a higher total CH4 production compared to anaerobic bottles free of ZVI, as well as 97% CH4 composition in produced biogas compared to 74% CH4 for anaerobic bottles free of ZVI. Under these conditions, no additional NaOH was added to anaerobic bottles with 25 g/L PZVI and 50 g/L SZVI to increase the pH and at the end of 2nd cycle the concentration of VFAs was substantially lower compared to the anaerobic bottles free of ZVI. However, no positive effects of ZVI in terms of alkaline buffer were found at the 3rd and 4th cycle probably due to ZVI inactivation outer surface layer. Based on the experimental findings (anaerobic bottles: (a) 25 g/L PZVI, (b) 50 g/L SZVI and (c) free of ZVI) an economic comparison for anaerobic digestion of cheese whey by large scale was contacted and pointed out that the best scenario was the anaerobic digestion by addition of 50 g/L SZVI, followed by anaerobic digestion free of ZVI and last was the anaerobic digestion by addition of 25 g/L PZVI. This study highlights a new proof of concept for in-situ biogas upgrading and alleviation of acidification by addition of 50 g/L SZVI or 25 g/L PZVI during anaerobic digestion of cheese whey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Charalambous
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Cyprus University of Technology, 57 Anexartisias Str., P.O. BOX 50329, 3603, Limassol, Cyprus
| | - Ioannis Vyrides
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Cyprus University of Technology, 57 Anexartisias Str., P.O. BOX 50329, 3603, Limassol, Cyprus.
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74
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Rotaru AE, Yee MO, Musat F. Microbes trading electricity in consortia of environmental and biotechnological significance. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2021; 67:119-129. [PMID: 33540362 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2021.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Favorable interspecies associations prevail in natural microbial assemblages. Some of these favorable associations are co-metabolic dependent partnerships in which extracellular electrons are exchanged between species. For such electron exchange to occur, the cells must exhibit electroactive interfaces and get involved in direct cell-to-cell contact (Direct Interspecies Electron Transfer/DIET) or use available conductive mineral grains from their environment (Conductive-particle-mediated Interspecies Electron Transfer/CIET). This review will highlight recent discoveries and knowledge gaps regarding DIET and CIET interspecies associations in artificial co-cultures and consortia from natural and man-made environments and emphasize approaches to validate DIET and CIET. Additionally, we acknowledge the initiation of a movement towards applying electric syntrophies in biotechnology, bioremediation and geoengineering for natural attenuation of toxic compounds. Next, we have highlighted the urgent research needs that must be met to develop such technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mon Oo Yee
- Lawrence Berkley National Laboratories, Cyclotron Rd. 1, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Florin Musat
- Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research, Permoserstraße 15, Leipzig, Germany
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75
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Wang R, Li H, Sun J, Zhang L, Jiao J, Wang Q, Liu S. Nanomaterials Facilitating Microbial Extracellular Electron Transfer at Interfaces. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2021; 33:e2004051. [PMID: 33325567 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202004051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Electrochemically active bacteria can transport their metabolically generated electrons to anodes, or accept electrons from cathodes to synthesize high-value chemicals and fuels, via a process known as extracellular electron transfer (EET). Harnessing of this microbial EET process has led to the development of microbial bio-electrochemical systems (BESs), which can achieve the interconversion of electrical and chemical energy and enable electricity generation, hydrogen production, electrosynthesis, wastewater treatment, desalination, water and soil remediation, and sensing. Here, the focus is on the current understanding of the microbial EET process occurring at both the bacteria-electrode interface and the biotic interface, as well as some attempts to improve the EET by using various nanomaterials. The behavior of nanomaterials in different EET routes and their influence on the performance of BESs are described. The inherent mechanisms will guide rational design of EET-related materials and lead to a better understanding of EET mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiwen Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150090, China
| | - Huidong Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150090, China
| | - Jinzhi Sun
- School of Life Science and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150090, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150090, China
| | - Jia Jiao
- School of Life Science and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150090, China
| | - Qingqing Wang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Micro- and Nanotechnology Research Center, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150090, China
| | - Shaoqin Liu
- School of Life Science and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150090, China
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76
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Panich J, Fong B, Singer SW. Metabolic Engineering of Cupriavidus necator H16 for Sustainable Biofuels from CO 2. Trends Biotechnol 2021; 39:412-424. [PMID: 33518389 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2021.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Decelerating global warming is one of the predominant challenges of our time and will require conversion of CO2 to usable products and commodity chemicals. Of particular interest is the production of fuels, because the transportation sector is a major source of CO2 emissions. Here, we review recent technological advances in metabolic engineering of the hydrogen-oxidizing bacterium Cupriavidus necator H16, a chemolithotroph that naturally consumes CO2 to generate biomass. We discuss recent successes in biofuel production using this organism, and the implementation of electrolysis/artificial photosynthesis approaches that enable growth of C. necator using renewable electricity and CO2. Last, we discuss prospects of improving the nonoptimal growth of C. necator in ambient concentrations of CO2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Panich
- Biological Systems and Engineering Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
| | - Bonnie Fong
- Biological Systems and Engineering Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Steven W Singer
- Biological Systems and Engineering Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
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77
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Severe Corrosion of Carbon Steel in Oil Field Produced Water Can Be Linked to Methanogenic Archaea Containing a Special Type of [NiFe] Hydrogenase. Appl Environ Microbiol 2021; 87:AEM.01819-20. [PMID: 33257309 PMCID: PMC7848899 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01819-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Methanogenic archaea have long been implicated in microbially influenced corrosion (MIC) of oil and gas infrastructure, yet a first understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms has only recently emerged. We surveyed pipeline-associated microbiomes from geographically distinct oil field facilities and found methanogens to account for 0.2 to 9.3% of the 16S rRNA gene sequencing reads. Neither the type nor the abundance of the detected methanogens was correlated with the perceived severity of MIC in these pipelines. Using fluids from one pipeline, MIC was reproduced in the laboratory, both under stagnant conditions and in customized corrosion reactors simulating pipeline flow. High corrosion rates (up to 2.43 mm Fe0 · yr-1) with macroscopic, localized corrosion features were attributed to lithotrophic, mesophilic microbial activity. Other laboratory tests with the same waters yielded negligible corrosion rates (<0.08 mm Fe0 · yr-1). Recently, a novel [NiFe] hydrogenase from Methanococcus maripaludis strain OS7 was demonstrated to accelerate corrosion. We developed a specific quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay and detected the gene encoding the large subunit of this hydrogenase (labeled micH) in corrosive (>0.15 mm Fe0 · yr-1) biofilms. The micH gene, on the other hand, was absent in noncorrosive biofilms, despite an abundance of methanogens. Reconstruction of a nearly complete Methanococcus maripaludis genome from a highly corrosive mixed biofilm revealed micH and associated genes in nearly identical genetic configuration to that in strain OS7, thereby supporting our hypothesis that the encoded molecular mechanism contributed to corrosion. Lastly, the proposed MIC biomarker was detected in multiple oil fields, indicating a geographically widespread involvement of this [NiFe] hydrogenase in MIC.IMPORTANCE Microorganisms can deteriorate built environments, which is particularly problematic in the case of pipelines transporting hydrocarbons to industrial end users. MIC is notoriously difficult to detect and monitor and, as a consequence, is a particularly difficult corrosion mechanism to manage. Despite the advent of molecular tools and improved microbial monitoring strategies for oil and gas operations, specific underlying MIC mechanisms in pipelines remain largely enigmatic. Emerging mechanistic understanding of methanogenic MIC derived from pure culture work allowed us to develop a qPCR assay that distinguishes technically problematic from benign methanogens in a West African oil field. Detection of the same gene in geographically diverse samples from North America hints at the widespread applicability of this assay. The research presented here offers a step toward a mechanistic understanding of biocorrosion in oil fields and introduces a binary marker for (methanogenic) MIC that can find application in corrosion management programs in industrial settings.
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78
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Mand J, Enning D. Oil field microorganisms cause highly localized corrosion on chemically inhibited carbon steel. Microb Biotechnol 2021; 14:171-185. [PMID: 32940951 PMCID: PMC7888452 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.13644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Carbon steel pipelines, a means for crude oil transportation, occasionally experience highly localized perforation caused by microorganisms. While microorganisms grown in laboratory culture tend to corrode steel specimens unevenly, they rarely inflict a corrosion morphology consistent with that of pipelines, where centimetre-sized corrosion features are randomly distributed within vast stretches of otherwise pristine metal surface. In this study, we observed that corrosion inhibitors (CIs), widely used for the control of acid gas (H2 S, CO2 ) corrosion in oil fields, also affect microbial growth and activity. Inhibited carbon steel resisted biofilm formation and underwent negligible corrosion (< 0.002 mm Fe0 year-1 ), despite 15 months of exposure to oil field waters harbouring a diverse microbiome. In contrast, physical scavenging of CI in these waters led to severe and highly localized corrosion (up to 0.93 mm Fe0 year-1 ) underneath biofilms dominated by methanogenic archaea and sulfate-reducing bacteria. A sharp decline in CI concentration, as well as its active components, quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs), correlated with microbial sulfidogenesis. CIs are ubiquitously present in oil field waters and play an underappreciated role in microbial corrosion mitigation. Physical and biological scavenging of CIs may create local differences in steel inhibition effectiveness and thus result in highly localized corrosion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaspreet Mand
- Research & Technology DevelopmentUpstream Integrated SolutionsExxonMobil Upstream Research CompanySpringTXUSA
| | - Dennis Enning
- Research & Technology DevelopmentUpstream Integrated SolutionsExxonMobil Upstream Research CompanySpringTXUSA
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79
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Zhao J, Li F, Cao Y, Zhang X, Chen T, Song H, Wang Z. Microbial extracellular electron transfer and strategies for engineering electroactive microorganisms. Biotechnol Adv 2020; 53:107682. [PMID: 33326817 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2020.107682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Electroactive microorganisms (EAMs) are ubiquitous in nature and have attracted considerable attention as they can be used for energy recovery and environmental remediation via their extracellular electron transfer (EET) capabilities. Although the EET mechanisms of Shewanella and Geobacter have been rigorously investigated and are well characterized, much less is known about the EET mechanisms of other microorganisms. For EAMs, efficient EET is crucial for the sustainable economic development of bioelectrochemical systems (BESs). Currently, the low efficiency of EET remains a key factor in limiting the development of BESs. In this review, we focus on the EET mechanisms of different microorganisms, (i.e., bacteria, fungi, and archaea). In addition, we describe in detail three engineering strategies for improving the EET ability of EAMs: (1) enhancing transmembrane electron transport via cytochrome protein channels; (2) accelerating electron transport via electron shuttle synthesis and transmission; and (3) promoting the microbe-electrode interface reaction via regulating biofilm formation. At the end of this review, we look to the future, with an emphasis on the cross-disciplinary integration of systems biology and synthetic biology to build high-performance EAM systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juntao Zhao
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), SynBioResearch Platform, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Li
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), SynBioResearch Platform, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingxiu Cao
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), SynBioResearch Platform, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinbo Zhang
- Joint Research Centre for Protective Infrastructure Technology and Environmental Green Bioprocess, Department of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Tianjin Chengjian University, Tianjin 300384, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Chen
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), SynBioResearch Platform, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Song
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), SynBioResearch Platform, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiwen Wang
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), SynBioResearch Platform, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, People's Republic of China.
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80
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Pfeifer K, Ergal İ, Koller M, Basen M, Schuster B, Rittmann SKMR. Archaea Biotechnology. Biotechnol Adv 2020; 47:107668. [PMID: 33271237 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2020.107668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Archaea are a domain of prokaryotic organisms with intriguing physiological characteristics and ecological importance. In Microbial Biotechnology, archaea are historically overshadowed by bacteria and eukaryotes in terms of public awareness, industrial application, and scientific studies, although their biochemical and physiological properties show a vast potential for a wide range of biotechnological applications. Today, the majority of microbial cell factories utilized for the production of value-added and high value compounds on an industrial scale are bacterial, fungal or algae based. Nevertheless, archaea are becoming ever more relevant for biotechnology as their cultivation and genetic systems improve. Some of the main advantages of archaeal cell factories are the ability to cultivate many of these often extremophilic organisms under non-sterile conditions, and to utilize inexpensive feedstocks often toxic to other microorganisms, thus drastically reducing cultivation costs. Currently, the only commercially available products of archaeal cell factories are bacterioruberin, squalene, bacteriorhodopsin and diether-/tetraether-lipids, all of which are produced utilizing halophiles. Other archaeal products, such as carotenoids and biohydrogen, as well as polyhydroxyalkanoates and methane are in early to advanced development stages, respectively. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the current state of Archaea Biotechnology by describing the actual state of research and development as well as the industrial utilization of archaeal cell factories, their role and their potential in the future of sustainable bioprocessing, and to illustrate their physiological and biotechnological potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Pfeifer
- Archaea Physiology & Biotechnology Group, Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, Universität Wien, Wien, Austria; Institute of Synthetic Bioarchitectures, Department of Nanobiotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Wien, Austria
| | - İpek Ergal
- Archaea Physiology & Biotechnology Group, Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, Universität Wien, Wien, Austria
| | - Martin Koller
- Office of Research Management and Service, c/o Institute of Chemistry, University of Graz, Austria
| | - Mirko Basen
- Microbial Physiology Group, Division of Microbiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Bernhard Schuster
- Institute of Synthetic Bioarchitectures, Department of Nanobiotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Wien, Austria
| | - Simon K-M R Rittmann
- Archaea Physiology & Biotechnology Group, Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, Universität Wien, Wien, Austria.
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81
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Bacteria coated cathodes as an in-situ hydrogen evolving platform for microbial electrosynthesis. Sci Rep 2020; 10:19852. [PMID: 33199799 PMCID: PMC7670457 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-76694-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hydrogen is a key intermediate element in microbial electrosynthesis as a mediator of the reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) into added value compounds. In the present work we aimed at studying the biological production of hydrogen in biocathodes operated at − 1.0 V vs. Ag/AgCl, using a highly comparable technology and CO2 as carbon feedstock. Ten bacterial strains were chosen from genera Rhodobacter, Rhodopseudomonas, Rhodocyclus, Desulfovibrio and Sporomusa, all described as hydrogen producing candidates. Monospecific biofilms were formed on carbon cloth cathodes and hydrogen evolution was constantly monitored using a microsensor. Eight over ten bacteria strains showed electroactivity and H2 production rates increased significantly (two to eightfold) compared to abiotic conditions for two of them (Desulfovibrio paquesii and Desulfovibrio desulfuricans). D. paquesii DSM 16681 exhibited the highest production rate (45.6 ± 18.8 µM min−1) compared to abiotic conditions (5.5 ± 0.6 µM min−1), although specific production rates (per 16S rRNA copy) were similar to those obtained for other strains. This study demonstrated that many microorganisms are suspected to participate in net hydrogen production but inherent differences among strains do occur, which are relevant for future developments of resilient biofilm coated cathodes as a stable hydrogen production platform in microbial electrosynthesis.
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82
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Ragab A, Shaw DR, Katuri KP, Saikaly PE. Effects of set cathode potentials on microbial electrosynthesis system performance and biocathode methanogen function at a metatranscriptional level. Sci Rep 2020; 10:19824. [PMID: 33188217 PMCID: PMC7666199 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-76229-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbial electrosynthesis exploits the catalytic activity of microorganisms to utilize a cathode as an electron donor for reducing waste CO2 to valuable fuels and chemicals. Electromethanogenesis is the process of CO2 reduction to CH4 catalyzed by methanogens using the cathode directly as a source of electrons or indirectly via H2. Understanding the effects of different set cathode potentials on the functional dynamics of electromethanogenic communities is crucial for the rational design of cathode materials. Replicate enriched electromethanogenic communities were subjected to different potentials (- 1.0 V and - 0.7 V vs. Ag/AgCl) and the potential-induced changes were analyzed using a metagenomic and metatranscriptomic approach. The most abundant and transcriptionally active organism on the biocathodes was a novel species of Methanobacterium sp. strain 34x. The cathode potential-induced changes limited electron donor availability and negatively affected the overall performance of the reactors in terms of CH4 production. Although high expression of key genes within the methane and carbon metabolism pathways was evident, there was no significant difference in transcriptional response to the different set potentials. The acetyl-CoA decarbonylase/synthase (ACDS) complex were the most highly expressed genes, highlighting the significance of carbon assimilation under limited electron donor conditions and its link to the methanogenesis pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ala'a Ragab
- Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, Water Desalination and Reuse Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Dario Rangel Shaw
- Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, Water Desalination and Reuse Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Krishna P Katuri
- Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, Water Desalination and Reuse Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Pascal E Saikaly
- Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, Water Desalination and Reuse Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia.
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83
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Yang X, Xu X, Hu D. Succession mechanism of microbial community with high species diversity in nutrient-deficient environments with low-dose ionizing radiation. Ecol Modell 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2020.109270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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84
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Izadi P, Fontmorin JM, Godain A, Yu EH, Head IM. Parameters influencing the development of highly conductive and efficient biofilm during microbial electrosynthesis: the importance of applied potential and inorganic carbon source. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 2020; 6:40. [PMID: 33056998 PMCID: PMC7560852 DOI: 10.1038/s41522-020-00151-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cathode-driven applications of bio-electrochemical systems (BESs) have the potential to transform CO2 into value-added chemicals using microorganisms. However, their commercialisation is limited as biocathodes in BESs are characterised by slow start-up and low efficiency. Understanding biosynthesis pathways, electron transfer mechanisms and the effect of operational variables on microbial electrosynthesis (MES) is of fundamental importance to advance these applications of a system that has the capacity to convert CO2 to organics and is potentially sustainable. In this work, we demonstrate that cathodic potential and inorganic carbon source are keys for the development of a dense and conductive biofilm that ensures high efficiency in the overall system. Applying the cathodic potential of -1.0 V vs. Ag/AgCl and providing only gaseous CO2 in our system, a dense biofilm dominated by Acetobacterium (ca. 50% of biofilm) was formed. The superior biofilm density was significantly correlated with a higher production yield of organic chemicals, particularly acetate. Together, a significant decrease in the H2 evolution overpotential (by 200 mV) and abundant nifH genes within the biofilm were observed. This can only be mechanistically explained if intracellular hydrogen production with direct electron uptake from the cathode via nitrogenase within bacterial cells is occurring in addition to the commonly observed extracellular H2 production. Indeed, the enzymatic activity within the biofilm accelerated the electron transfer. This was evidenced by an increase in the coulombic efficiency (ca. 69%) and a 10-fold decrease in the charge transfer resistance. This is the first report of such a significant decrease in the charge resistance via the development of a highly conductive biofilm during MES. The results highlight the fundamental importance of maintaining a highly active autotrophic Acetobacterium population through feeding CO2 in gaseous form, which its dominance in the biocathode leads to a higher efficiency of the system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paniz Izadi
- School of Engineering, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | | | - Alexiane Godain
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Eileen H Yu
- School of Engineering, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK.
| | - Ian M Head
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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85
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McCully AL, Spormann AM. Direct cathodic electron uptake coupled to sulfate reduction by Desulfovibrio ferrophilus IS5 biofilms. Environ Microbiol 2020; 22:4794-4807. [PMID: 32939950 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.15235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Direct electron uptake is emerging as a key process for electron transfer in anaerobic microbial communities, both between species and from extracellular sources, such as zero-valent iron (Fe0 ) or cathodic surfaces. In this study, we investigated cathodic electron uptake by Fe0 -corroding Desulfovibrio ferrophilus IS5 and showed that electron uptake is dependent on direct cell contact via a biofilm on the cathode surface rather than through secreted intermediates. Induction of cathodic electron uptake by lactate-starved D. ferrophilus IS5 cells resulted in the expression of all components necessary for electron uptake; however, protein synthesis was required for full biofilm formation. Notably, proteinase K treatment uncoupled electron uptake from biofilm formation, likely through proteolytic degradation of proteinaceous components of the electron uptake machinery. We also showed that cathodic electron uptake is dependent on SO4 2- reduction. The insensitivity of Fe0 corrosion to proteinase K treatment suggests that electron uptake from a cathode might involve different mechanism(s) than those involved in Fe0 corrosion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra L McCully
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Alfred M Spormann
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.,Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
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86
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Martin WF. Carbon-Metal Bonds: Rare and Primordial in Metabolism. Trends Biochem Sci 2020; 44:807-818. [PMID: 31104860 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2019.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Revised: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Submarine hydrothermal vents are rich in hydrogen (H2), an ancient source of electrons and chemical energy for life. Geochemical H2 stems from serpentinization, a process in which rock-bound iron reduces water to H2. Reactions involving H2 and carbon dioxide (CO2) in hydrothermal systems generate abiotic methane and formate; these reactions resemble the core energy metabolism of methanogens and acetogens. These organisms are strict anaerobic autotrophs that inhabit hydrothermal vents and harness energy via H2-dependent CO2 reduction. Serpentinization also generates native metals, which can reduce CO2 to formate and acetate in the laboratory. The enzymes that channel H2, CO2, and dinitrogen (N2) into methanogen and acetogen metabolism are the backbone of the most ancient metabolic pathways. Their active sites share carbon-metal bonds which, although rare in biology, are conserved relics of primordial biochemistry present at the origin of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- William F Martin
- Institute for Molecular Evolution, University of Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany.
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87
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Gong Z, Yu H, Zhang J, Li F, Song H. Microbial electro-fermentation for synthesis of chemicals and biofuels driven by bi-directional extracellular electron transfer. Synth Syst Biotechnol 2020; 5:304-313. [PMID: 32995586 PMCID: PMC7490822 DOI: 10.1016/j.synbio.2020.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Electroactive bacteria could perform bi-directional extracellular electron transfer (EET) to exchange electrons and energy with extracellular environments, thus playing a central role in microbial electro-fermentation (EF) process. Unbalanced fermentation and microbial electrosynthesis are the main pathways to produce value-added chemicals and biofuels. However, the low efficiency of the bi-directional EET is a dominating bottleneck in these processes. In this review, we firstly demonstrate the main bi-directional EET mechanisms during EF, including the direct EET and the shuttle-mediated EET. Then, we review representative milestones and progresses in unbalanced fermentation via anode outward EET and microbial electrosynthesis via inward EET based on these two EET mechanisms in detail. Furthermore, we summarize the main synthetic biology strategies in improving the bi-directional EET and target products synthesis, thus to enhance the efficiencies in unbalanced fermentation and microbial electrosynthesis. Lastly, a perspective on the applications of microbial electro-fermentation is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziying Gong
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Huan Yu
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Junqi Zhang
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Feng Li
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Hao Song
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
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88
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Guardia AE, Beligni MV, Cortéz N, Busalmen J. Electrochemistry of R. palustris Azul during phototrophic growth. Electrochim Acta 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2020.136757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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89
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Fluidized bed cathodes as suitable electron donors for bacteria to remove nitrogen and produce biohydrogen. Electrochem commun 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.elecom.2020.106759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
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90
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Agostino V, Lenic A, Bardl B, Rizzotto V, Phan ANT, Blank LM, Rosenbaum MA. Electrophysiology of the Facultative Autotrophic Bacterium Desulfosporosinus orientis. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:457. [PMID: 32509745 PMCID: PMC7248197 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.00457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Electroautotrophy is a novel and fascinating microbial metabolism, with tremendous potential for CO2 storage and valorization into chemicals and materials made thereof. Research attention has been devoted toward the characterization of acetogenic and methanogenic electroautotrophs. In contrast, here we characterize the electrophysiology of a sulfate-reducing bacterium, Desulfosporosinus orientis, harboring the Wood-Ljungdahl pathway and, thus, capable of fixing CO2 into acetyl-CoA. For most electroautotrophs the mode of electron uptake is still not fully clarified. Our electrochemical experiments at different polarization conditions and Fe0 corrosion tests point to a H2- mediated electron uptake ability of this strain. This observation is in line with the lack of outer membrane and periplasmic multi-heme c-type cytochromes in this bacterium. Maximum planktonic biomass production and a maximum sulfate reduction rate of 2 ± 0.4 mM day–1 were obtained with an applied cathode potential of −900 mV vs. Ag/AgCl, resulting in an electron recovery in sulfate reduction of 37 ± 1.4%. Anaerobic sulfate respiration is more thermodynamically favorable than acetogenesis. Nevertheless, D. orientis strains adapted to sulfate-limiting conditions, could be tuned to electrosynthetic production of up to 8 mM of acetate, which compares well with other electroacetogens. The yield per biomass was very similar to H2/CO2 based acetogenesis. Acetate bioelectrosynthesis was confirmed through stable isotope labeling experiments with Na-H13CO3. Our results highlight a great influence of the CO2 feeding strategy and start-up H2 level in the catholyte on planktonic biomass growth and acetate production. In serum bottles experiments, D. orientis also generated butyrate, which makes D. orientis even more attractive for bioelectrosynthesis application. A further optimization of these physiological pathways is needed to obtain electrosynthetic butyrate production in D. orientis biocathodes. This study expands the diversity of facultative autotrophs able to perform H2-mediated extracellular electron uptake in Bioelectrochemical Systems (BES). We characterized a sulfate-reducing and acetogenic bacterium, D. orientis, able to naturally produce acetate and butyrate from CO2 and H2. For any future bioprocess, the exploitation of planktonic growing electroautotrophs with H2-mediated electron uptake would allow for a better use of the entire liquid volume of the cathodic reactor and, thus, higher productivities and product yields from CO2-rich waste gas streams.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Agostino
- Institute of Applied Microbiology (iAMB), Aachen Biology and Biotechnology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Annika Lenic
- Institute of Applied Microbiology (iAMB), Aachen Biology and Biotechnology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Bettina Bardl
- Bio Pilot Plant, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Valentina Rizzotto
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - An N T Phan
- Institute of Applied Microbiology (iAMB), Aachen Biology and Biotechnology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Lars M Blank
- Institute of Applied Microbiology (iAMB), Aachen Biology and Biotechnology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Miriam A Rosenbaum
- Bio Pilot Plant, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany.,Faculty of Biological Sciences, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
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91
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Ruth JC, Milton RD, Gu W, Spormann AM. Enhanced Electrosynthetic Hydrogen Evolution by Hydrogenases Embedded in a Redox-Active Hydrogel. Chemistry 2020; 26:7323-7329. [PMID: 32074397 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202000750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Molecular hydrogen is a major high-energy carrier for future energy technologies, if produced from renewable electrical energy. Hydrogenase enzymes offer a pathway for bioelectrochemically producing hydrogen that is advantageous over traditional platforms for hydrogen production because of low overpotentials and ambient operating temperature and pressure. However, electron delivery from the electrode surface to the enzyme's active site is often rate-limiting. Here, it is shown that three different hydrogenases from Clostridium pasteurianum and Methanococcus maripaludis, when immobilized at a cathode in a cobaltocene-functionalized polyallylamine (Cc-PAA) redox polymer, mediate rapid and efficient hydrogen evolution. Furthermore, it is shown that Cc-PAA-mediated hydrogenases can operate at high faradaic efficiency (80-100 %) and low apparent overpotential (-0.578 to -0.593 V vs. SHE). Specific activities of these hydrogenases in the electrosynthetic Cc-PAA assay were comparable to their respective activities in traditional methyl viologen assays, indicating that Cc-PAA mediates electron transfer at high rates, to most of the embedded enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- John C Ruth
- Department of Chemical Engineering, E250 James. H. Clark Center, Stanford University, 318 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Ross D Milton
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, E250 James. H. Clark Center, Stanford University, 318 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.,Current address: Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, University of Geneva, Sciences II, Quai Ernest-Ansermet 30, 1211, Geneva 4, Switzerland
| | - Wenyu Gu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, E250 James. H. Clark Center, Stanford University, 318 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Alfred M Spormann
- Department of Chemical Engineering, E250 James. H. Clark Center, Stanford University, 318 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.,Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, E250 James. H. Clark Center, Stanford University, 318 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
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92
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Yee MO, Deutzmann J, Spormann A, Rotaru AE. Cultivating electroactive microbes-from field to bench. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2020; 31:174003. [PMID: 31931483 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/ab6ab5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Electromicrobiology is an emerging field investigating and exploiting the interaction of microorganisms with insoluble electron donors or acceptors. Some of the most recently categorized electroactive microorganisms became of interest to sustainable bioengineering practices. However, laboratories worldwide typically maintain electroactive microorganisms on soluble substrates, which often leads to a decrease or loss of the ability to effectively exchange electrons with solid electrode surfaces. In order to develop future sustainable technologies, we cannot rely solely on existing lab-isolates. Therefore, we must develop isolation strategies for environmental strains with electroactive properties superior to strains in culture collections. In this article, we provide an overview of the studies that isolated or enriched electroactive microorganisms from the environment using an anode as the sole electron acceptor (electricity-generating microorganisms) or a cathode as the sole electron donor (electricity-consuming microorganisms). Next, we recommend a selective strategy for the isolation of electroactive microorganisms. Furthermore, we provide a practical guide for setting up electrochemical reactors and highlight crucial electrochemical techniques to determine electroactivity and the mode of electron transfer in novel organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mon Oo Yee
- Nordcee, Department of Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, DK-5230, Denmark
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93
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Abstract
Since the observation of direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) in anaerobic mixed cultures in 2010s, the topic “DIET-stimulation” has been the main route to enhance the performance of anaerobic digestion (AD) under harsh conditions, such as high organic loading rate (OLR) and the toxicants’ presence. In this review article, we tried to answer three main questions: (i) What are the merits and strategies for DIET stimulation? (ii) What are the consequences of stimulation? (iii) What is the mechanism of action behind the impact of this stimulation? Therefore, we introduced DIET history and recent relevant findings with a focus on the theoretical advantages. Then, we reviewed the most recent articles by categorizing how DIET reaction was stimulated by adding conductive material (CM) and/or applying external voltage (EV). The emphasis was made on the enhanced performance (yield and/or production rate), CM type, applied EV, and mechanism of action for each stimulation strategy. In addition, we explained DIET-caused changes in microbial community structure. Finally, future perspectives and practical limitations/chances were explored in detail. We expect this review article will provide a better understanding for DIET pathway in AD and encourage further research development in a right direction.
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94
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Affiliation(s)
- Cécile Cadoux
- University of GenevaSciences II Quai Ernest-Ansermet 30 1211 Geneva 4 Switzerland
| | - Ross D. Milton
- University of GenevaSciences II Quai Ernest-Ansermet 30 1211 Geneva 4 Switzerland
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95
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96
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Hou J, Huang L, Zhou P, Qian Y, Li N. Understanding the interdependence of strain of electrotroph, cathode potential and initial Cu(II) concentration for simultaneous Cu(II) removal and acetate production in microbial electrosynthesis systems. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 243:125317. [PMID: 31722262 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.125317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Revised: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Metallurgical microbial electrosynthesis systems (MES) are holding great promise for simultaneous heavy metal removal and acetate production from heavy metal-contaminated and organics-barren waters. How critical parameters of strain of electrotroph, cathode potential and initial heavy metal concentration affect MES performance, however, is not yet fully understood. Heavy metal of Cu(II) and four Cu(II)-tolerant electrotrophs (Stenotrophomonas maltophilia JY1, Citrobacter sp. JY3, Pseudomonas aeruginosa JY5 and Stenotrophomonas sp. JY6) were employed to evaluate MES performance at various cathode potentials (-900 or -600 mV vs. standard hydrogen electrode) and initial Cu(II) concentrations (60-120 mg L-1). Each electrotrophs exhibited incremental Cu(II) removals with increased Cu(II) at -900 mV, higher than at -600 mV or in the abiotic controls. Acetate production by JY1 and JY6 decreased with the increase in initial Cu(II), compared to an initial increase and a decrease thereafter for JY3 and JY5. For each electrotrophs, the biofilms than the planktonic cells released more amounts of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) with a compositional diversity and stronger Cu(II) complexation at -900 mV. These were higher than at -600 mV, or in the controls either under open circuit conditions or in the absence of Cu(II). This work demonstrates the interdependence of strain of electrotroph, cathode potential and initial Cu(II) on simultaneous Cu(II) removal and acetate production through the release of different amounts of EPS with diverse composites, contributing to enhancing the controlled MES for efficient recovery of value-added products from Cu(II)-contaminated and organics-barren waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Hou
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Ministry of Education (MOE), School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China
| | - Liping Huang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Ministry of Education (MOE), School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China.
| | - Peng Zhou
- College of Chemistry, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China
| | - Yitong Qian
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Ministry of Education (MOE), School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China
| | - Ning Li
- School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China
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97
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Templeton AS, Ellison ET. Formation and loss of metastable brucite: does Fe(II)-bearing brucite support microbial activity in serpentinizing ecosystems? PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS. SERIES A, MATHEMATICAL, PHYSICAL, AND ENGINEERING SCIENCES 2020; 378:20180423. [PMID: 31902337 PMCID: PMC7015309 DOI: 10.1098/rsta.2018.0423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Ultramafic rocks undergo successive stages of hydration and oxidation during water/rock interaction, giving rise to secondary minerals such as brucite, serpentine, magnetite and the production of H2(g). Ferroan brucite (MgxFe(1-x)2+(OH)2) often forms under low water/rock ratios early during the 'serpentinization' process. The formation of ferroan brucite sequesters Fe(II) and suppresses the production of H2, thereby limiting the flux of reductants suitable for sustaining microbial metabolism. Yet ferroan brucite is a relatively soluble mineral 'reservoir' for reactive Fe(II). Brucite is often metastable and can be lost at later stages of peridotite hydration when there is a significant increase in the water/rock ratio or the activity of SiO2 or CO2. The Fe(OH)2 component of brucite has the thermodynamic potential to reduce most aqueous oxidants. Therefore, ferroan brucite may reduce water and/or dissolved carbon, nitrogen and sulfur species, while the Fe(II) is converted into more stable secondary minerals such as Fe(II/III)-oxides and hydroxides (e.g. green-rust, magnetite, iowaite and pyroaurite) and ferric serpentine. The reactivity of ferroan brucite, and the associated rate of Fe solubilization and oxidation in subsurface fluids, could be a key regulator on the rate of electron transfer from serpentinites to the rock-hosted biosphere. Aqueous alteration of ferroan brucite may significantly modulate the H2 activity in fluids circulating within partially serpentinized rocks, and buffer H2 as it is lost by advection or in situ consumption by a hydrogenotrophic microbial community. Moreover, there may be microbial organisms that specifically colonize and use ferroan brucite as an electron donor for their metabolism. The energy fluxes sustained by localized brucite oxidation may often be sufficiently large to sustain abundant microbial communities; water/rock reaction zones where brucite is consumed could serve as environments to search for extant or fossil serpentinite-hosted life. This article is part of a discussion meeting issue 'Serpentinite in the Earth System'.
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98
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Flexer V, Jourdin L. Purposely Designed Hierarchical Porous Electrodes for High Rate Microbial Electrosynthesis of Acetate from Carbon Dioxide. Acc Chem Res 2020; 53:311-321. [PMID: 31990521 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.9b00523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Carbon-based products are crucial to our society, but their production from fossil-based carbon is unsustainable. Production pathways based on the reuse of CO2 will achieve ultimate sustainability. Furthermore, the costs of renewable electricity production are decreasing at such a high rate, that electricity is expected to be the main energy carrier from 2040 onward. Electricity-driven novel processes that convert CO2 into chemicals need to be further developed. Microbial electrosynthesis is a biocathode-driven process in which electroactive microorganisms derive electrons from solid-state electrodes to catalyze the reduction of CO2 or organics and generate valuable extracellular multicarbon reduced products. Microorganisms can be tuned to high-rate and selective product formation. Optimization and upscaling of microbial electrosynthesis to practical, real life applications is dependent upon performance improvement while maintaining low cost. Extensive biofilm development, enhanced electron transfer rate from solid-state electrodes to microorganisms and increased chemical production rate require optimized microbial consortia, efficient reactor designs, and improved cathode materials. This Account is about the development of different electrode materials purposely designed for improved microbial electrosynthesis: NanoWeb-RVC and EPD-3D. Both types of electrodes are biocompatible, highly conductive three-dimensional hierarchical porous structures. Both chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and electrophoretic deposition were used to grow homogeneous and uniform carbon nanotube layers on the honeycomb structure of reticulated vitreous carbon. The high surface area to volume ratio of these electrodes maximizes the available surface area for biofilm development, i.e., enabling an increased catalyst loading. Simultaneously, the nanostructure makes it possible for a continuous electroactive biofilm to be formed, with increased electron transfer rate and high Coulombic efficiencies. Fully autotrophic biofilms from mixed cultures developed on both types of electrodes rely on CO2 as the sole carbon source and the solid-state electrode as the unique energy supply. We present first the synthesis and characteristics of the bare electrodes. We then report the outstanding performance indicators of these novel biocathodes: current densities up to -200 A m-2 and acetate production rates up to 1330 g m-2 day-1, with electron and CO2 recoveries into acetate being very close to 100% for mature biofilms. The performance indicators are still among the highest reported by either purposely designed or commercially available biocathodes. Finally, we made use of the titration and off-gas analysis sensor (TOGA) to elucidate the electron transfer mechanism in these efficient biocathodes. Planktonic cells in the catholyte were found irrelevant for acetate production. We identified the electron transfer to be mediated by biologically induced H2. H2 is not detected in the headspace of the reactors, unless CO2 feeding is interrupted or the cathodes sterilized. Thus, the biofilm is extremely efficient in consuming the generated H2. Finally, we successfully demonstrated the use of a synthetic biogas mixture as a CO2 source. We thus proved the potential of microbial electrosynthesis for the simultaneous upgrading of biogas, while fixating CO2 via the production of acetate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Flexer
- Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Materiales Avanzados y Almacenamiento de Energía de Jujuy-CIDMEJu (CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Jujuy), Av. Martijena S/N, Palpalá 4612, Argentina
| | - Ludovic Jourdin
- Department of Biotechnology, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ Delft, The Netherlands
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Chu N, Liang Q, Jiang Y, Zeng RJ. Microbial electrochemical platform for the production of renewable fuels and chemicals. Biosens Bioelectron 2020; 150:111922. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2019.111922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Revised: 11/23/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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100
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Zheng T, Li J, Ji Y, Zhang W, Fang Y, Xin F, Dong W, Wei P, Ma J, Jiang M. Progress and Prospects of Bioelectrochemical Systems: Electron Transfer and Its Applications in the Microbial Metabolism. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:10. [PMID: 32083069 PMCID: PMC7004955 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.00010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Bioelectrochemical systems are revolutionary new bioengineering technologies which integrate microorganisms or enzymes with the electrochemical method to improve the reducing or oxidizing metabolism. Generally, the bioelectrochemical systems show the processes referring to electrical power generation or achieving the reducing reaction with a certain potential poised by means of electron transfer between the electron acceptor and electron donor. Researchers have focused on the selection and optimization of the electrode materials, design of electrochemical device, and screening of electrochemically active or inactive model microorganisms. Notably, all these means and studies are related to electron transfer: efflux and consumption. Thus, here we introduce the basic concepts of bioelectrochemical systems, and elaborate on the extracellular and intracellular electron transfer, and the hypothetical electron transfer mechanism. Also, intracellular energy generation and coenzyme metabolism along with electron transfer are analyzed. Finally, the applications of bioelectrochemical systems and the prospect of microbial electrochemical technologies are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jiangfeng Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, China
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