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Qi X, Liu X, Gu Y, Liang P. Whole-cell biophotovoltaic systems for renewable energy generation: A systematic analysis of existing knowledge. Bioelectrochemistry 2024; 158:108695. [PMID: 38531227 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2024.108695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
The development of carbon-neutral fuel sources is an essential step in addressing the global fossil energy crisis. Whole-cell biophotovoltaic systems (BPVs) are a renewable, non-polluting energy-generating device that utilizes oxygenic photosynthetic microbes (OPMs) to split water molecules and generate bioelectricity under the driving of light energy. Since 2006, BPVs have been widely studied, with the order magnitudes of power density increasing from 10-4 mW/m2 to 103 mW/m2. This review examines the extracellular electron transfer (EET) mechanisms and regulation techniques of BPVs from biofilm to external environment. It is found that the EET of OPMs is mainly mediated by membrane proteins, with terminal oxidase limiting the power output. Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 and Chlorella vulgaris are two species that produce high power density in BPVs. The use of metal nanoparticles mixing, 3D pillar array electrodes, microfluidic technology, and transient-state operation models can significantly enhance power density. Challenges and potential research directions are discussed, including a deeper analysis of EET mechanisms and dynamics, the development of modular devices, integration of multiple regulatory components, and the exploration of novel BPV technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Qi
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, PR China
| | - Xinning Liu
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, PR China
| | - Yuyi Gu
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, PR China
| | - Peng Liang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, PR China.
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2
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Gao C, Gu Y, Liu Q, Lin W, Zhang B, Lin X, Wang H, Zhao Y, Qu L. All Plant-Based Compact Supercapacitor in Living Plants. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2307400. [PMID: 38054796 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202307400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Biomass-based energy storage devices (BESDs) have drawn much attention to substitute traditional electronic devices based on petroleum or synthetic chemical materials for the advantages of biodegradability, biocompatibility, and low cost. However, most of the BESDs are almost made of reconstructed plant materials and exogenous chemical additives which constrain the autonomous and widespread advantages of living plants. Herein, an all-plant-based compact supercapacitor (APCSC) without any nonhomologous additives is reported. This type of supercapacitor formed within living plants acts as a form of electronic plant (e-plant) by using its tissue fluid electrolyte, which surprisingly presents a satisfying electrical capacitance of 182.5 mF cm-2, higher than those of biomass-based micro-supercapacitors reported previously. In addition, all constituents of the device come from the same plant, effectively avoid biologically incompatible with other extraneous substances, and almost do no harm to the growth of plant. This e-plant can not only be constructed in aloe, but also be built in most of succulents, such as cactus in desert, offering timely electricity supply to people in extreme conditions. It is believed that this work will enrich the applications of electronic plants, and shed light on smart botany, forestry, and agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Gao
- Key Laboratory of Cluster Science Ministry of Education of China, Beijing Key Laboratory of Photoelectronic/Electrophotonic Conversion Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, P. R. China
- School of Electronic and Information Engineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing, 100044, P. R. China
| | - Yuyang Gu
- Key Laboratory of Cluster Science Ministry of Education of China, Beijing Key Laboratory of Photoelectronic/Electrophotonic Conversion Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, P. R. China
| | - Qing Liu
- Key Laboratory of Cluster Science Ministry of Education of China, Beijing Key Laboratory of Photoelectronic/Electrophotonic Conversion Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, P. R. China
| | - Weihu Lin
- College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730071, P. R. China
| | - Bin Zhang
- College of Landscape Architecture and Art, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, P. R. China
| | - Xiangyun Lin
- Key Laboratory of Cluster Science Ministry of Education of China, Beijing Key Laboratory of Photoelectronic/Electrophotonic Conversion Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, P. R. China
| | - Haozhen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Cluster Science Ministry of Education of China, Beijing Key Laboratory of Photoelectronic/Electrophotonic Conversion Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, P. R. China
| | - Yang Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Cluster Science Ministry of Education of China, Beijing Key Laboratory of Photoelectronic/Electrophotonic Conversion Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, P. R. China
| | - Liangti Qu
- Key Laboratory of Organic Optoelectronics & Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
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3
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Fathima A, Ilankoon IMSK, Zhang Y, Chong MN. Scaling up of dual-chamber microbial electrochemical systems - An appraisal using systems design approach. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169186. [PMID: 38086487 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Impetus to minimise the energy and carbon footprints of evolving wastewater resource recovery facilities has promoted the development of microbial electrochemical systems (MES) as an emerging energy-neutral and sustainable platform technology. Using separators in dual-chamber MES to isolate anodic and cathodic environments creates endless opportunities for its myriad applications. Nevertheless, the high internal resistance and the complex interdependencies among various system factors have challenged its scale-up. This critical review employed a systems approach to examine the complex interdependencies and practical issues surrounding the implementation and scalability of dual-chamber MES, where the anodic and cathodic reactions are mutually appraised to improve the overall system efficiency. The robustness and stability of anodic biofilms in large-volume MES is dependent on its inoculum source, antecedent history and enrichment strategies. The composition and anode-respiring activity of these biofilms are modulated by the anolyte composition, while their performance demands a delicate balance between the electrode size, macrostructure and the availability of substrates, buffers and nutrients when using real wastewater as anolyte. Additionally, the catholyte governed the reduction environment and associated energy consumption of MES with scalable electrocatalysts needed to enhance the sluggish reaction kinetics for energy-efficient resource recovery. A comprehensive assessment of the dual-chamber reactor configuration revealed that the tubular, spiral-wound, or plug-in modular MES configurations are suitable for pilot-scale, where it could be designed more effectively using efficient electrode macrostructure, suitable membranes and bespoke strategies for continuous operation to maximise their performance. It is anticipated that the critical and analytical understanding gained through this review will support the continuous development and scaling-up of dual-chamber MES for prospective energy-neutral treatment of wastewater and simultaneous circular management of highly relevant environmental resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arshia Fathima
- Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Engineering, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500 Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - I M S K Ilankoon
- Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Engineering, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500 Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Yifeng Zhang
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Meng Nan Chong
- Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Engineering, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500 Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia.
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4
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Li W, Wang Y, Wang B, Lu K, Cai W, Lin J, Huang X, Zhang H, Zhang X, Liu Y, Liang Y, Lei B, Qu S. Enhanced Light-Harvesting and Energy Transfer in Carbon Dots Embedded Thylakoids for Photonic Hybrid Capacitor Applications. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202308951. [PMID: 38052724 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202308951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Nanohybrid photosystems have advantages in converting solar energy into electricity, while natural photosystems based solar-powered energy-storage device is still under developed. Here, we fabricate a new kind of photo-rechargeable zinc-ion hybrid capacitor (ZHC) benefiting from light-harvesting carbon dots (CDs) and natural thylakoids for realizing solar energy harvesting and storage simultaneously. Under solar light irradiation, the embedded CDs in thylakoids (CDs/Thy) can convert the less absorbed green light into highly absorbed red light for thylakoids, besides, Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) between CDs and Thy also occurs, which facilitates the photoelectrons generation during thylakoids photosynthesis, thereby resulting in 6-fold photocurrent output in CDs/Thy hybrid photosystem, compared to pristine thylakoids. Using CDs/Thy as the photocathode in ZHCs, the photonic hybrid capacitor shows photoelectric conversion and storage features. CDs can improve the photo-charging voltage response of ZHCs to ≈1.2 V with a remarkable capacitance enhancement of 144 % under solar light. This study provides a promising strategy for designing plant-based photonic and electric device for solar energy harvesting and storage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- Key Laboratory for Biobased Materials and Energy of Ministry of Education, College of Materials and Energy, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Joint Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Applied Physics and Materials Engineering, University of Macau, Macau, 999078, China
| | - Yixin Wang
- Key Laboratory for Biobased Materials and Energy of Ministry of Education, College of Materials and Energy, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Bingzhe Wang
- Joint Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Applied Physics and Materials Engineering, University of Macau, Macau, 999078, China
| | - Kaixin Lu
- Key Laboratory for Biobased Materials and Energy of Ministry of Education, College of Materials and Energy, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Wenxiao Cai
- Key Laboratory for Biobased Materials and Energy of Ministry of Education, College of Materials and Energy, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Junjie Lin
- Key Laboratory for Biobased Materials and Energy of Ministry of Education, College of Materials and Energy, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Xiaoman Huang
- Key Laboratory for Biobased Materials and Energy of Ministry of Education, College of Materials and Energy, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Haoran Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Biobased Materials and Energy of Ministry of Education, College of Materials and Energy, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Xuejie Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Biobased Materials and Energy of Ministry of Education, College of Materials and Energy, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Yingliang Liu
- Key Laboratory for Biobased Materials and Energy of Ministry of Education, College of Materials and Energy, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Yeru Liang
- Key Laboratory for Biobased Materials and Energy of Ministry of Education, College of Materials and Energy, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Bingfu Lei
- Key Laboratory for Biobased Materials and Energy of Ministry of Education, College of Materials and Energy, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Songnan Qu
- Joint Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Applied Physics and Materials Engineering, University of Macau, Macau, 999078, China
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5
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Xiong W, Peng Y, Ma W, Xu X, Zhao Y, Wu J, Tang R. Microalgae-material hybrid for enhanced photosynthetic energy conversion: a promising path towards carbon neutrality. Natl Sci Rev 2023; 10:nwad200. [PMID: 37671320 PMCID: PMC10476897 DOI: 10.1093/nsr/nwad200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Photosynthetic energy conversion for high-energy chemicals generation is one of the most viable solutions in the quest for sustainable energy towards carbon neutrality. Microalgae are fascinating photosynthetic organisms, which can directly convert solar energy into chemical energy and electrical energy. However, microalgal photosynthetic energy has not yet been applied on a large scale due to the limitation of their own characteristics. Researchers have been inspired to couple microalgae with synthetic materials via biomimetic assembly and the resulting microalgae-material hybrids have become more robust and even perform new functions. In the past decade, great progress has been made in microalgae-material hybrids, such as photosynthetic carbon dioxide fixation, photosynthetic hydrogen production, photoelectrochemical energy conversion and even biochemical energy conversion for biomedical therapy. The microalgae-material hybrid offers opportunities to promote artificially enhanced photosynthesis research and synchronously inspires investigation of biotic-abiotic interface manipulation. This review summarizes current construction methods of microalgae-material hybrids and highlights their implication in energy and health. Moreover, we discuss the current problems and future challenges for microalgae-material hybrids and the outlook for their development and applications. This review will provide inspiration for the rational design of the microalgae-based semi-natural biohybrid and further promote the disciplinary fusion of material science and biological science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Xiong
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Yiyan Peng
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Weimin Ma
- College of Life Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai 200234, China
| | - Xurong Xu
- Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Qiushi Academy for Advanced Studies, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Yueqi Zhao
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, China
| | - Jinhui Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Medical School & School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Ruikang Tang
- Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Qiushi Academy for Advanced Studies, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
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6
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Das S, Raj R, Das S, Ghangrekar MM. Evaluating application of photosynthetic microbial fuel cell to exhibit efficient carbon sequestration with concomitant value-added product recovery from wastewater: A review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:98995-99012. [PMID: 35661302 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-21184-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The emission of CO2 from industrial (24%) and different anthropogenic activities, like transportation (27%), electricity production (25%), and agriculture (11%), can lead to global warming, which in the long term can trigger substantial climate changes. In this regard, CO2 sequestration and wastewater treatment in tandem with bioenergy production through photosynthetic microbial fuel cell (PMFC) is an economical and sustainable intervention to address the problem of global warming and elevating energy demands. Therefore, this review focuses on the application of different PMFC as a bio-refinery approach to produce biofuels and power generation accompanied with the holistic treatment of wastewater. Moreover, CO2 bio-fixation and electron transfer mechanism of different photosynthetic microbiota, and factors affecting the performance of PMFC with technical feasibility and drawbacks are also elucidated in this review. Also, low-cost approaches such as utilization of bio-membrane like coconut shell, microbial growth enhancement by extracellular cell signalling mechanisms, and exploitation of genetically engineered strain towards the commercialization of PMFC are highlighted. Thus, the present review intends to guide the budding researchers in developing more cost-effective and sustainable PMFCs, which could lead towards the commercialization of this inventive technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swati Das
- PK Sinha Centre for Bioenergy & Renewables, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, 721302, India
| | - Rishabh Raj
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, 721302, India
| | - Sovik Das
- Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, 721302, India
| | - Makarand M Ghangrekar
- PK Sinha Centre for Bioenergy & Renewables, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, 721302, India.
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, 721302, India.
- Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, 721302, India.
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7
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Datta D, Weiss EL, Wangpraseurt D, Hild E, Chen S, Golden JW, Golden SS, Pokorski JK. Phenotypically complex living materials containing engineered cyanobacteria. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4742. [PMID: 37550278 PMCID: PMC10406891 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40265-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The field of engineered living materials lies at the intersection of materials science and synthetic biology with the aim of developing materials that can sense and respond to the environment. In this study, we use 3D printing to fabricate a cyanobacterial biocomposite material capable of producing multiple functional outputs in response to an external chemical stimulus and demonstrate the advantages of utilizing additive manufacturing techniques in controlling the shape of the fabricated photosynthetic material. As an initial proof-of-concept, a synthetic riboswitch is used to regulate the expression of a yellow fluorescent protein reporter in Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942 within a hydrogel matrix. Subsequently, a strain of S. elongatus is engineered to produce an oxidative laccase enzyme; when printed within a hydrogel matrix the responsive biomaterial can decolorize a common textile dye pollutant, indigo carmine, potentially serving as a tool in environmental bioremediation. Finally, cells are engineered for inducible cell death to eliminate their presence once their activity is no longer required, which is an important function for biocontainment and minimizing environmental impact. By integrating genetically engineered stimuli-responsive cyanobacteria in volumetric 3D-printed designs, we demonstrate programmable photosynthetic biocomposite materials capable of producing functional outputs including, but not limited to, bioremediation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debika Datta
- Department of Nanoengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Elliot L Weiss
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Daniel Wangpraseurt
- Department of Nanoengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Erica Hild
- Department of Nanoengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Shaochen Chen
- Department of Nanoengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - James W Golden
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Susan S Golden
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| | - Jonathan K Pokorski
- Department of Nanoengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
- Center for Nano-ImmunoEngineering and Institute for Materials Discovery and Design, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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8
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Zhu H, Wang H, Zhang Y, Li Y. Biophotovoltaics: Recent advances and perspectives. Biotechnol Adv 2023; 64:108101. [PMID: 36681132 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2023.108101] [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: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Biophotovoltaics (BPV) is a clean power generation technology that uses self-renewing photosynthetic microorganisms to capture solar energy and generate electrical current. Although the internal quantum efficiency of charge separation in photosynthetic microorganisms is very high, the inefficient electron transfer from photosystems to the extracellular electrodes hampered the electrical outputs of BPV systems. This review summarizes the approaches that have been taken to increase the electrical outputs of BPV systems in recent years. These mainly include redirecting intracellular electron transfer, broadening available photosynthetic microorganisms, reinforcing interfacial electron transfer and design high-performance devices with different configurations. Furthermore, three strategies developed to extract photosynthetic electrons were discussed. Among them, the strategy of using synthetic microbial consortia could circumvent the weak exoelectrogenic activity of photosynthetic microorganisms and the cytotoxicity of exogenous electron mediators, thus show great potential in enhancing the power output and prolonging the lifetime of BPV systems. Lastly, we prospected how to facilitate electron extraction and further improve the performance of BPV systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huawei Zhu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Microbial Physiological and Metabolic Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Haowei Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Microbial Physiological and Metabolic Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yanping Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Microbial Physiological and Metabolic Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yin Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Microbial Physiological and Metabolic Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
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9
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Goodchild-Michelman IM, Church GM, Schubert MG, Tang TC. Light and carbon: Synthetic biology toward new cyanobacteria-based living biomaterials. Mater Today Bio 2023; 19:100583. [PMID: 36846306 PMCID: PMC9945787 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2023.100583] [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: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyanobacteria are ideal candidates to use in developing carbon neutral and carbon negative technologies; they are efficient photosynthesizers and amenable to genetic manipulation. Over the past two decades, researchers have demonstrated that cyanobacteria can make sustainable, useful biomaterials, many of which are engineered living materials. However, we are only beginning to see such technologies applied at an industrial scale. In this review, we explore the ways in which synthetic biology tools enable the development of cyanobacteria-based biomaterials. First we give an overview of the ecological and biogeochemical importance of cyanobacteria and the work that has been done using cyanobacteria to create biomaterials so far. This is followed by a discussion of commonly used cyanobacteria strains and synthetic biology tools that exist to engineer cyanobacteria. Then, three case studies-bioconcrete, biocomposites, and biophotovoltaics-are explored as potential applications of synthetic biology in cyanobacteria-based materials. Finally, challenges and future directions of cyanobacterial biomaterials are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella M. Goodchild-Michelman
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - George M. Church
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Max G. Schubert
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tzu-Chieh Tang
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
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10
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Chen XZ, Luo Q, Ma CQ. Inkjet-Printed Organic Solar Cells and Perovskite Solar Cells: Progress, Challenges, and Prospect. CHINESE JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s10118-023-2961-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
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11
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Rezaie M, Choi S. Moisture-Enabled Germination of Heat-Activated Bacillus Endospores for Rapid and Practical Bioelectricity Generation: Toward Portable, Storable Bacteria-Powered Biobatteries. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023:e2301135. [PMID: 36932936 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202301135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Small-scale battery-like microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are a promising alternative power source for future low-power electronics. Controllable microbial electrocatalytic activity in a miniaturized MFC with unlimited biodegradable energy resources would enable simple power generation in various environmental settings. However, the short shelf-life of living biocatalysts, few ways to activate the stored biocatalysts, and extremely low electrocatalytic capabilities render the miniature MFCs unsuitable for practical use. Here, heat-activated Bacillus subtilis spores are revolutionarily used as a dormant biocatalyst that can survive storage and rapidly germinate when exposed to special nutrients that are preloaded in the device. A microporous, graphene hydrogel allows the adsorption of moisture from the air, moves the nutrients to the spores, and triggers their germination for power generation. In particular, forming a CuO-hydrogel anode and an Ag2 O-hydrogel cathode promotes superior electrocatalytic activities leading to an exceptionally high electrical performance in the MFC. The battery-type MFC device is readily activated by moisture harvesting, producing a maximum power density of 0.4 mW cm-2 and a maximum current density of 2.2 mA cm-2 . The MFC configuration is readily stackable in series and a three-MFC pack produces enough power for several low-power applications, demonstrating its practical feasibility as a sole power source.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Rezaie
- Bioelectronics and Microsystems Laboratory, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, State University of New York at Binghamton, Binghamton, NY, 13902, USA
| | - Seokheun Choi
- Bioelectronics and Microsystems Laboratory, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, State University of New York at Binghamton, Binghamton, NY, 13902, USA
- Center for Research in Advanced Sensing Technologies and Environmental Sustainability, State University of New York at Binghamton, Binghamton, NY, 13902, USA
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12
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Wood MH, Rubio-Lara J, Armstrong AJ, Welbourn RJL. Adsorption Behavior of the Coenzyme NADH at the Carbon/Electrolyte Interface Determined by Neutron Reflectometry. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2023; 39:668-678. [PMID: 36579816 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.2c03026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The adsorption behavior of β-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) at the carbon/electrolyte interface has been studied using a combination of neutron reflectometry (NR) and solution depletion isotherms. Coupling the NR technique with an electrochemical cell allowed in situ observation of the reversible adsorption and desorption of the molecule at the electrode surface over a range of applied potentials. The overall surface coverage was low (30-50%), suggesting adsorption only at specific defect sites on the surface. Isotherms conducted over a range of temperatures were used to extract thermodynamic parameters, which implied strong physisorption via electrostatic interactions. In addition, changes in the outermost layer of the carbon electrode were observed as the applied potential was varied, which were confirmed with ex situ X-ray reflectivity measurements (XRR). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements of the carbon surface demonstrated the majority of carbon atoms were in an sp2 state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary H Wood
- Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, 1015Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Juan Rubio-Lara
- York Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, YorkYO10 5DD, U.K
| | | | - Rebecca J L Welbourn
- ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, DidcotOX11 0QX, U.K
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13
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Reineke W, Schlömann M. Biotechnology and Environmental Protection. Environ Microbiol 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-662-66547-3_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
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14
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Ahirwar A, Das S, Das S, Yang YH, Bhatia SK, Vinayak V, Ghangrekar MM. Photosynthetic microbial fuel cell for bioenergy and valuable production: A review of circular bio-economy approach. ALGAL RES 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.algal.2023.102973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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15
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Žunar B, Ito T, Mosrin C, Sugahara Y, Bénédetti H, Guégan R, Vallée B. Confocal imaging of biomarkers at a single-cell resolution: quantifying 'living' in 3D-printable engineered living material based on Pluronic F-127 and yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Biomater Res 2022; 26:85. [PMID: 36539854 PMCID: PMC9769040 DOI: 10.1186/s40824-022-00337-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Engineered living materials (ELMs) combine living cells with non-living scaffolds to obtain life-like characteristics, such as biosensing, growth, and self-repair. Some ELMs can be 3D-printed and are called bioinks, and their scaffolds are mostly hydrogel-based. One such scaffold is polymer Pluronic F127, a liquid at 4 °C but a biocompatible hydrogel at room temperature. In such thermally-reversible hydrogel, the microorganism-hydrogel interactions remain uncharacterized, making truly durable 3D-bioprinted ELMs elusive. METHODS We demonstrate the methodology to assess cell-scaffold interactions by characterizing intact alive yeast cells in cross-linked F127-based hydrogels, using genetically encoded ratiometric biosensors to measure intracellular ATP and cytosolic pH at a single-cell level through confocal imaging. RESULTS When embedded in hydrogel, cells were ATP-rich, in exponential or stationary phase, and assembled into microcolonies, which sometimes merged into larger superstructures. The hydrogels supported (micro)aerobic conditions and induced a nutrient gradient that limited microcolony size. External compounds could diffuse at least 2.7 mm into the hydrogels, although for optimal yeast growth bioprinted structures should be thinner than 0.6 mm. Moreover, the hydrogels could carry whole-cell copper biosensors, shielding them from contaminations and providing them with nutrients. CONCLUSIONS F127-based hydrogels are promising scaffolds for 3D-bioprinted ELMs, supporting a heterogeneous cell population primarily shaped by nutrient availability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bojan Žunar
- grid.4444.00000 0001 2112 9282Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire (CBM), CNRS, UPR 4301, University of Orléans and INSERM, 45071 Orléans, Cedex 2 France ,grid.4808.40000 0001 0657 4636Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Laboratory for Biochemistry, Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, University of Zagreb, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Taiga Ito
- grid.5290.e0000 0004 1936 9975Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, 169-8555 Japan
| | - Christine Mosrin
- grid.4444.00000 0001 2112 9282Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire (CBM), CNRS, UPR 4301, University of Orléans and INSERM, 45071 Orléans, Cedex 2 France
| | - Yoshiyuki Sugahara
- grid.5290.e0000 0004 1936 9975Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, 169-8555 Japan
| | - Hélène Bénédetti
- grid.4444.00000 0001 2112 9282Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire (CBM), CNRS, UPR 4301, University of Orléans and INSERM, 45071 Orléans, Cedex 2 France
| | - Régis Guégan
- grid.5290.e0000 0004 1936 9975Global Center for Advanced Science and Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, 169-8555 Japan ,grid.112485.b0000 0001 0217 6921Institut des Sciences de la Terre d’Orléans (ISTO), UMR 7327, CNRS-Université d’Orléans, 1A Rue de la Férollerie, 45071 Orléans, Cedex 2 France
| | - Béatrice Vallée
- grid.4444.00000 0001 2112 9282Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire (CBM), CNRS, UPR 4301, University of Orléans and INSERM, 45071 Orléans, Cedex 2 France
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16
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Shlosberg Y, Spungin D, Schuster G, Berman-Frank I, Adir N. Trichodesmium erythraeum produces a higher photocurrent than other cyanobacterial species in bio-photo electrochemical cells. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. BIOENERGETICS 2022; 1863:148910. [PMID: 35944660 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbabio.2022.148910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The increase in world energy consumption, and the worries from potential future disasters that may derive from climate change have stimulated the development of renewable energy technologies. One promising method is the utilization of whole photosynthetic cyanobacterial cells to produce photocurrent in a bio-photo electrochemical cell (BPEC). The photocurrent can be derived from either the respiratory or photosynthetic pathways, via the redox couple NADP+/NADPH mediating cyclic electron transport between photosystem I inside the cells, and the anode. In the past, most studies have utilized the fresh-water cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 (Syn). Here, we show that the globally important marine cyanobacterium Trichodesmium erythraeum flourishing in the subtropical oceans can provide improved currents as compared to Syn. We applied 2D-fluorescence measurements to detect the secretion of NADPH and show that the resulting photocurrent production is enhanced by increasing the electrolyte salinity, Further enhancement of the photocurrent can be obtained by the addition of electron mediators such as NAD+, NADP+, cytochrome C, vitamin B1, or potassium ferricyanide. Finally, we produce photocurrent from additional cyanobacterial species: Synechocystis sp. PCC6803, Synechococcus elongatus PCC7942, Acaryochloris marina MBIC 11017, and Spirulina, using their cultivation media as electrolytes for the BPEC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaniv Shlosberg
- Grand Technion Energy Program, Technion, Haifa 32000, Israel; Schulich Faculty of Chemistry, Technion, Haifa 320000, Israel
| | - Dina Spungin
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Gadi Schuster
- Grand Technion Energy Program, Technion, Haifa 32000, Israel; Faculty of Biology, Technion, Haifa 32000, Israel
| | - Ilana Berman-Frank
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Noam Adir
- Grand Technion Energy Program, Technion, Haifa 32000, Israel; Schulich Faculty of Chemistry, Technion, Haifa 320000, Israel.
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17
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Hatano J, Kusama S, Tanaka K, Kohara A, Miyake C, Nakanishi S, Shimakawa G. NADPH production in dark stages is critical for cyanobacterial photocurrent generation: a study using mutants deficient in oxidative pentose phosphate pathway. PHOTOSYNTHESIS RESEARCH 2022; 153:113-120. [PMID: 35182311 DOI: 10.1007/s11120-022-00903-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Live cyanobacteria and algae integrated onto an extracellular electrode can generate a light-induced current (i.e., a photocurrent). Although the photocurrent is expected to be correlated with the redox environment of the photosynthetic cells, the relationship between the photocurrent and the cellular redox state is poorly understood. Here, we investigated the effect of the reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate [NADP(H)] redox level of cyanobacterial cells (before light exposure) on the photocurrent using several mutants (Δzwf, Δgnd, and ΔglgP) deficient in the oxidative pentose phosphate (OPP) pathway, which is the metabolic pathway that produces NADPH in darkness. The NAD(P)H redox level and photocurrent in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 were measured noninvasively. Dysfunction of the OPP pathway led to oxidation of the photosynthetic NADPH pool in darkness. In addition, photocurrent induction was retarded and the current density was lower in Δzwf, Δgnd, and ΔglgP than in wild-type cells. Exogenously added glucose compensated the phenotype of ΔglgP and drove the OPP pathway in the mutant, resulting in an increase in the photocurrent. The results indicated that NADPH accumulated by the OPP pathway before illumination is a key factor for the generation of a photocurrent. In addition, measuring the photocurrent can be a non-invasive approach to estimate the cellular redox level related to NADP(H) pool in cyanobacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiro Hatano
- Research Center for Solar Energy Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University, 1-3 Machikaneyama, Toyonaka, Osaka, 560-8631, Japan
| | - Shoko Kusama
- Research Center for Solar Energy Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University, 1-3 Machikaneyama, Toyonaka, Osaka, 560-8631, Japan
| | - Kenya Tanaka
- Research Center for Solar Energy Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University, 1-3 Machikaneyama, Toyonaka, Osaka, 560-8631, Japan
- Engineering Biology Research Center, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
| | - Ayaka Kohara
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada, Kobe, 657-8501, Japan
| | - Chikahiro Miyake
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada, Kobe, 657-8501, Japan
| | - Shuji Nakanishi
- Research Center for Solar Energy Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University, 1-3 Machikaneyama, Toyonaka, Osaka, 560-8631, Japan.
- Innovative Catalysis Science Division, Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
| | - Ginga Shimakawa
- Research Center for Solar Energy Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University, 1-3 Machikaneyama, Toyonaka, Osaka, 560-8631, Japan.
- Department of Bioscience, School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Kwansei-Gakuin University, 2-1 Gakuen, Sanda, Hyogo, 669-1337, Japan.
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Shlosberg Y, Schuster G, Adir N. Harnessing photosynthesis to produce electricity using cyanobacteria, green algae, seaweeds and plants. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:955843. [PMID: 35968083 PMCID: PMC9363842 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.955843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The conversion of solar energy into electrical current by photosynthetic organisms has the potential to produce clean energy. Life on earth depends on photosynthesis, the major mechanism for biological conversion of light energy into chemical energy. Indeed, billions of years of evolution and adaptation to extreme environmental habitats have resulted in highly efficient light-harvesting and photochemical systems in the photosynthetic organisms that can be found in almost every ecological habitat of our world. In harnessing photosynthesis to produce green energy, the native photosynthetic system is interfaced with electrodes and electron mediators to yield bio-photoelectrochemical cells (BPECs) that transform light energy into electrical power. BPECs utilizing plants, seaweeds, unicellular photosynthetic microorganisms, thylakoid membranes or purified complexes, have been studied in attempts to construct efficient and non-polluting BPECs to produce electricity or hydrogen for use as green energy. The high efficiency of photosynthetic light-harvesting and energy production in the mostly unpolluting processes that make use of water and CO2 and produce oxygen beckons us to develop this approach. On the other hand, the need to use physiological conditions, the sensitivity to photoinhibition as well as other abiotic stresses, and the requirement to extract electrons from the system are challenging. In this review, we describe the principles and methods of the different kinds of BPECs that use natural photosynthesis, with an emphasis on BPECs containing living oxygenic photosynthetic organisms. We start with a brief summary of BPECs that use purified photosynthetic complexes. This strategy has produced high-efficiency BPECs. However, the lifetimes of operation of these BPECs are limited, and the preparation is laborious and expensive. We then describe the use of thylakoid membranes in BPECs which requires less effort and usually produces high currents but still suffers from the lack of ability to self-repair damage caused by photoinhibition. This obstacle of the utilization of photosynthetic systems can be significantly reduced by using intact living organisms in the BPEC. We thus describe here progress in developing BPECs that make use of cyanobacteria, green algae, seaweeds and higher plants. Finally, we discuss the future challenges of producing high and longtime operating BPECs for practical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaniv Shlosberg
- Grand Technion Energy Program, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
- Schulich Faculty of Chemistry, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Gadi Schuster
- Grand Technion Energy Program, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
- Faculty of Biology, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Noam Adir
- Grand Technion Energy Program, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
- Schulich Faculty of Chemistry, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
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19
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Order-of-magnitude enhancement in photocurrent generation of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 by outer membrane deprivation. Nat Commun 2022; 13:3067. [PMID: 35654796 PMCID: PMC9163127 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30764-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Biophotovoltaics (BPV) generates electricity from reducing equivalent(s) produced by photosynthetic organisms by exploiting a phenomenon called extracellular electron transfer (EET), where reducing equivalent(s) is transferred to external electron acceptors. Although cyanobacteria have been extensively studied for BPV because of their high photosynthetic activity and ease of handling, their low EET activity poses a limitation. Here, we show an order-of-magnitude enhancement in photocurrent generation of the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 by deprivation of the outer membrane, where electrons are suggested to stem from pathway(s) downstream of photosystem I. A marked enhancement of EET activity itself is verified by rapid reduction of exogenous electron acceptor, ferricyanide. The extracellular organic substances, including reducing equivalent(s), produced by this cyanobacterium serve as respiratory substrates for other heterotrophic bacteria. These findings demonstrate that the outer membrane is a barrier that limits EET. Therefore, depriving this membrane is an effective approach to exploit the cyanobacterial reducing equivalent(s). The low extracellular electron transfer activity hampers the application of cyanobacteria in biophotovoltaics. Here, the authors report an order-of-magnitude enhancement in photocurrent generation of the cyanobacterium by deprivation of the outer cell membrane.
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20
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Choi S. Electrogenic Bacteria Promise New Opportunities for Powering, Sensing, and Synthesizing. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2022; 18:e2107902. [PMID: 35119203 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202107902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Considerable research efforts into the promises of electrogenic bacteria and the commercial opportunities they present are attempting to identify potential feasible applications. Metabolic electrons from the bacteria enable electricity generation sufficient to power portable or small-scale applications, while the quantifiable electric signal in a miniaturized device platform can be sensitive enough to monitor and respond to changes in environmental conditions. Nanomaterials produced by the electrogenic bacteria can offer an innovative bottom-up biosynthetic approach to synergize bacterial electron transfer and create an effective coupling at the cell-electrode interface. Furthermore, electrogenic bacteria can revolutionize the field of bioelectronics by effectively interfacing electronics with microbes through extracellular electron transfer. Here, these new directions for the electrogenic bacteria and their recent integration with micro- and nanosystems are comprehensively discussed with specific attention toward distinct applications in the field of powering, sensing, and synthesizing. Furthermore, challenges of individual applications and strategies toward potential solutions are provided to offer valuable guidelines for practical implementation. Finally, the perspective and view on how the use of electrogenic bacteria can hold immeasurable promise for the development of future electronics and their applications are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seokheun Choi
- Bioelectronics & Microsystems Laboratory, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, State University of New York at Binghamton, Binghamton, NY, 13902, USA
- Center for Research in Advanced Sensing Technologies & Environmental Sustainability, State University of New York at Binghamton, Binghamton, NY, 13902, USA
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21
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Dawiec-Liśniewska A, Podstawczyk D, Bastrzyk A, Czuba K, Pacyna-Iwanicka K, Okoro OV, Shavandi A. aNew trends in biotechnological applications of photosynthetic microorganisms. Biotechnol Adv 2022; 59:107988. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2022.107988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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22
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Kuruvinashetti K, Packirisamy M. Arraying of microphotosynthetic power cells for enhanced power output. MICROSYSTEMS & NANOENGINEERING 2022; 8:29. [PMID: 35359612 PMCID: PMC8918551 DOI: 10.1038/s41378-022-00361-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microphotosynthetic power cells (µPSCs) generate power through the exploitation of living photosynthetic microorganisms by harvesting sunlight. The thermodynamic limitations of this process restrict the power output of a single µPSC. Herein, we demonstrate µPSCs in four different array configurations to enhance power output from these power cells. To this effect, six µPSCs were arrayed in series, parallel, and combinations of series and parallel configurations. Each µPSC was injected with a 2 mL liquid culture of photosynthetic microorganisms (Chlamydomonas reinhardtii) in the anode and 2 mL of 25% (w/v) electron acceptor potassium ferricyanide (K3Fe(CN)6) in the cathode. The combinations of µPSCs connected in series and parallel generated higher power than the individual series and parallel configurations. The combinations of six µPSCs connected in series and in parallel produced a high power density of 1914 mWm-2 in the presence of white fluorescent light illumination at 20 µEm-2s-1. Furthermore, to realize the array strategy for real-time applications, a 1.7 V/2 mA rating light-emitting diode (LED) was powered by combinations of series and parallel array configurations. The results indicate the reliability of µPSCs to produce electricity from photosynthetic microorganisms for low-power applications. In addition, the results suggest that a combination of microlevel photosynthetic cells in array format represents a powerful optimal design strategy to enhance the power output from µPSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiran Kuruvinashetti
- Optical-Bio Microsystems Laboratory, Department of Mechanical, Industrial and Aerospace Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H3G1M8 Canada
| | - Muthukumaran Packirisamy
- Optical-Bio Microsystems Laboratory, Department of Mechanical, Industrial and Aerospace Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H3G1M8 Canada
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23
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Nanocell hybrids for green chemistry. Trends Biotechnol 2022; 40:974-986. [PMID: 35210123 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2022.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Global concerns about reducing or minimizing the costs associated with toxic waste materials have driven the continuing development of green-cell-based biosynthesis methods. Inspired by the hybridization phenomenon of living organisms, recent interest has arisen in nanocell hybrids that possess multiple new functions. They have potential to propel biosynthesis into a new generation of green chemistry. This review article discusses the development of applications for nanocell hybrids in the areas of sustainable energy, clean environment, and green catalysis. Continuing advances in these hybrids will require combining knowledge from the fields of biology, physics, chemistry, material science, and engineering.
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24
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Bioelectricity generation from live marine photosynthetic macroalgae. Biosens Bioelectron 2022; 198:113824. [PMID: 34864244 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2021.113824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The conversion of solar energy into electrical current by photosynthetic organisms has the potential to produce clean energy. Bio-photoelectrochemical cells (BPECs) utilizing unicellular photosynthetic microorganisms have been studied, however similar harvesting of electrons from more evolved intact photosynthetic organisms has not been previously reported. In this study, we describe for the first time BPECs containing intact live marine macroalgae (seaweeds) in natural seawater or saline buffer. The BPECs produce electrical currents of >50 mA/cm2, from both light-dependent (photosynthesis) and light-independent processes. These values are significantly greater than the current densities that have been reported for single-cell microorganisms. The photocurrent is inhibited by the Photosystem II inhibitor 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea, indicating that the source of light-driven electrons is from photosynthetic water oxidation. The current is mediated to the external anode via NADPH and possibly other reduced molecules. We show that intact macroalgae cultures can be used in large-scale BPECs containing seawater, to produce bias-free photocurrents, paving the way for the future development of low-cost energy solar energy conversion technologies using BPECs.
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25
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Lewis CM, Flory JD, Moore TA, Moore AL, Rittmann BE, Vermaas WFJ, Torres CI, Fromme P. Electrochemically Driven Photosynthetic Electron Transport in Cyanobacteria Lacking Photosystem II. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:2933-2942. [PMID: 35157427 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c09291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Light-activated photosystem II (PSII) carries out the critical step of splitting water in photosynthesis. However, PSII is susceptible to light-induced damage. Here, results are presented from a novel microbial electro-photosynthetic system (MEPS) that uses redox mediators in conjunction with an electrode to drive electron transport in live Synechocystis (ΔpsbB) cells lacking PSII. MEPS-generated, light-dependent current increased with light intensity up to 2050 μmol photons m-2 s-1, which yielded a delivery rate of 113 μmol electrons h-1 mg-chl-1 and an average current density of 150 A m-2 s-1 mg-chl-1. P700+ re-reduction kinetics demonstrated that initial rates exceeded wildtype PSII-driven electron delivery. The electron delivery occurs ahead of the cytochrome b6f complex to enable both NADPH and ATP production. This work demonstrates an electrochemical system that can drive photosynthetic electron transport, provides a platform for photosynthetic foundational studies, and has the potential for improving photosynthetic performance at high light intensities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine M Lewis
- School of Molecular Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States.,Biodesign Institute Center for Applied Structural Discovery, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States.,Biodesign Institute Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States
| | - Justin D Flory
- Biodesign Institute Center for Applied Structural Discovery, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States.,Engineering Center for Negative Carbon Emmisions, at Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85281, United States
| | - Thomas A Moore
- School of Molecular Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States.,Julie Ann Wrigley Global Institute of Sustainability and Innovation, Arizona State University, Tempe Arizona 85287, United States
| | - Ana L Moore
- School of Molecular Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States.,Julie Ann Wrigley Global Institute of Sustainability and Innovation, Arizona State University, Tempe Arizona 85287, United States
| | - Bruce E Rittmann
- School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States.,Biodesign Institute Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States
| | - Wim F J Vermaas
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States
| | - César I Torres
- Biodesign Institute Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States.,School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States
| | - Petra Fromme
- School of Molecular Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States.,Biodesign Institute Center for Applied Structural Discovery, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States
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Wangpraseurt D, You S, Sun Y, Chen S. Biomimetic 3D living materials powered by microorganisms. Trends Biotechnol 2022; 40:843-857. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2022.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Kuruvinashetti K, Rahimi S, Pakkiriswami S, Packirisamy M. Simple, Economical Methods for the Culture of Green Algae for Energy Harvesting from Photosynthesis in a Microfluidic Environment. Curr Protoc 2021; 1:e322. [PMID: 34898042 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.322] [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: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Ongoing technological advancements continually increase the demand for energy. Among various types of energy harvesting systems, biologically based systems have been an area of increasing interest for the past couple of decades. Such systems provide clean, safe power solutions, mainly for low- and ultra-low-power applications. The microphotosynthetic power cell (μPSC) is one such system that make use of photosynthetic living cells or organisms to generate power. For strong performance, μPSC technology, because of its interdisciplinary nature, requires optimal engineering of both electrochemical cell design and the culture conditions of the photosynthetic microorganisms. We present here a simple, economical culture method for the photosynthetic microorganism Chlamydomonas reinhardtii suitable for the application of this biologically based power system in any geographical location. This article provides a series of protocols for preparing materials and culture medium designed to facilitate the culture of a suitable C. reinhardtii strain even in a non-biological laboratory. Possible challenges and methods to overcome them are also discussed. Cultured C. reinhardtii perform sufficiently well that they have already been successfully utilized to generate power from a μPSC, generating a peak power of 200 μW from just 2 ml of exponential-phase algal culture in a μPSC with an active electrode surface area of 4.84 cm2 . The μPSC thus has potentially broad applications in low- and ultra-low-power devices and sensors. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Algal growth conditions and algal growth chamber fabrication Basic Protocol 2: Preparation of Tris-acetate-phosphate (TAP) nutrient medium Basic Protocol 3: Preparation of suspension algal culture from algal strain Basic Protocol 4: Preparation of stock culture plates (algal strain) from suspension algal culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiran Kuruvinashetti
- Optical Bio-Microsystems Laboratory, Department of Mechanical, Industrial and Aerospace Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Soroush Rahimi
- Optical Bio-Microsystems Laboratory, Department of Mechanical, Industrial and Aerospace Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Shanmugasundaram Pakkiriswami
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick (DMNB), Dalhousie University, Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada
| | - Muthukumaran Packirisamy
- Optical Bio-Microsystems Laboratory, Department of Mechanical, Industrial and Aerospace Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Fan J, Zhang Y, Wu P, Zhang X, Bai Y. Enhancing cofactor regeneration of cyanobacteria for the light-powered synthesis of chiral alcohols. Bioorg Chem 2021; 118:105477. [PMID: 34814084 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.105477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cyanobacteria Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 was exploited as green cell factory for light-powered asymmetric synthesis of aromatic chiral alcohols. The effect of temperature, light, substrate and cell concentration on substrate conversions were investigated. Under the optimal condition, a series of chiral alcohols were synthesized with conversions up to 95% and enantiomer excess (ee) > 99%. We found that the addition of Na2S2O3 and Angeli's Salt increased the NADPH content by 20% and 25%, respectively. As a result, the time to reach 95% substrate conversion was shortened by 12 h, which demonstrated that the NADPH regeneration and hence the reaction rates can be regulated in cyanobacteria. This blue-green algae based biocatalysis showed its potential for chiral compounds production in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhua Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, PR China; Department of Applied Biology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, PR China
| | - Yinghui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, PR China; Department of Applied Biology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, PR China
| | - Ping Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, PR China; Department of Applied Biology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, PR China
| | - Xiaoyan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, PR China; Department of Bioengineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, PR China
| | - Yunpeng Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, PR China; Department of Bioengineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, PR China.
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29
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The periodic table of photosynthetic purple non-sulfur bacteria: intact cell-metal ions interactions. Photochem Photobiol Sci 2021; 21:101-111. [PMID: 34748197 DOI: 10.1007/s43630-021-00116-9] [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: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Photosynthetic purple non-sulfur bacteria (PNB) have been widely utilized as model organisms to study bacterial photosynthesis. More recently, the remarkable resistance of these microorganisms to several metals ions called particular interest. As a result, several research efforts were directed toward clarifying the interactions of metal ions with PNB. The mechanisms of metal ions active uptake and bioabsorption have been studied in detail, unveiling that PNB enable harvesting and removing various toxic ions, thus fostering applications in environmental remediation. Herein, we present the most important achievements in the understanding of intact cell-metal ions interactions and the approaches utilized to study such processes. Following, the application of PNB-metal ions interactions toward metal removal from contaminated environments is presented. Finally, the possible coupling of PNB with abiotic electrodes to obtain biohybrid electrochemical systems is proposed as a sustainable pathway to tune and enhance metal removal and monitoring.
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30
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A biophotoelectrochemical approach to unravelling the role of cyanobacterial cell structures in exoelectrogenesis. Electrochim Acta 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2021.139214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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31
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Kim YJ, Hong H, Yun J, Kim SI, Jung HY, Ryu W. Photosynthetic Nanomaterial Hybrids for Bioelectricity and Renewable Energy Systems. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2021; 33:e2005919. [PMID: 33236450 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202005919] [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: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Harvesting solar energy in the form of electricity from the photosynthesis of plants, algal cells, and bacteria has been researched as the most environment-friendly renewable energy technology in the last decade. The primary challenge has been the engineering of electrochemical interfacing with photosynthetic apparatuses, organelles, or whole cells. However, with the aid of low-dimensional nanomaterials, there have been many advances, including enhanced photon absorption, increased generation of photosynthetic electrons (PEs), and more efficient transfer of PEs to electrodes. These advances have demonstrated the possibility for the technology to advance to a new level. In this article, the fundamentals of photosynthesis are introduced. How PE harvesting systems have improved concerning solar energy absorption, PE production, and PE collection by electrodes is discussed. The review focuses on how different kinds of nanomaterials are applied and function in interfacing with photosynthetic materials for enhanced PE harvesting. Finally, the review analyzes how the performance of PE harvesting and stand-alone systems have evolved so far and its future prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Jae Kim
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, South Korea
| | - Hyeonaug Hong
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, South Korea
| | - JaeHyoung Yun
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, South Korea
| | - Seon Il Kim
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, South Korea
| | - Ho Yun Jung
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, South Korea
| | - WonHyoung Ryu
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, South Korea
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32
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Jin H, Wang Y, Zhao P, Wang L, Zhang S, Meng D, Yang Q, Cheong LZ, Bi Y, Fu Y. Potential of Producing Flavonoids Using Cyanobacteria As a Sustainable Chassis. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2021; 69:12385-12401. [PMID: 34649432 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.1c04632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Numerous plant secondary metabolites have remarkable impacts on both food supplements and pharmaceuticals for human health improvement. However, higher plants can only generate small amounts of these chemicals with specific temporal and spatial arrangements, which are unable to satisfy the expanding market demands. Cyanobacteria can directly utilize CO2, light energy, and inorganic nutrients to synthesize versatile plant-specific photosynthetic intermediates and organic compounds in large-scale photobioreactors with outstanding economic merit. Thus, they have been rapidly developed as a "green" chassis for the synthesis of bioproducts. Flavonoids, chemical compounds based on aromatic amino acids, are considered to be indispensable components in a variety of nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic applications. In contrast to heterotrophic metabolic engineering pioneers, such as yeast and Escherichia coli, information about the biosynthesis flavonoids and their derivatives is less comprehensive than that of their photosynthetic counterparts. Here, we review both benefits and challenges to promote cyanobacterial cell factories for flavonoid biosynthesis. With increasing concerns about global environmental issues and food security, we are confident that energy self-supporting cyanobacteria will attract increasing attention for the generation of different kinds of bioproducts. We hope that the work presented here will serve as an index and encourage more scientists to join in the relevant research area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haojie Jin
- College of Forestry, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, P.R. China
| | - Yan Wang
- Center of Basic Medical Research, Institute of Medical Innovation and Research, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, P.R. China
| | - Pengquan Zhao
- College of Forestry, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, P.R. China
| | - Litao Wang
- College of Forestry, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, P.R. China
| | - Su Zhang
- College of Forestry, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, P.R. China
| | - Dong Meng
- College of Forestry, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, P.R. China
| | - Qing Yang
- College of Forestry, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, P.R. China
| | - Ling-Zhi Cheong
- Zhejiang-Malaysia Joint Research Laboratory for Agricultural Product Processing and Nutrition, College of Food and Pharmaceutical Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Yonghong Bi
- State Key Laboratory of Fresh Water Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430070, P.R. China
| | - Yujie Fu
- College of Forestry, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, P.R. China
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33
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Thakur S, Dasmahapatra AK, Bandyopadhyay D. Functional liquid droplets for analyte sensing and energy harvesting. Adv Colloid Interface Sci 2021; 294:102453. [PMID: 34120038 DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2021.102453] [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: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Over the past century, rapid miniaturization of technologies has helped in the development of efficient, flexible, portable, robust, and compact applications with minimal wastage of materials. In this direction, of late, the usage of mesoscale liquid droplets has emerged as an alternative platform because of the following advantages: (i) a droplet is incompressible and at the same time deformable, (ii) interfacial area of a spherical droplet is minimum for a given amount of mass; and (iii) a droplet interface allows facile mass, momentum, and energy transfer. Subsequently, such attributes have aided towards the design of diverse droplet-based microfluidic technologies. For example, the microdroplets have been utilized as micro-reactors, colorimetric or electrochemical (EC) sensors, drug-delivery vehicles, and energy harvesters. Further, a number of recently reported lab-on-a-chip technologies exploit the motility, storage, and mixing capacities of the microdroplets. In view of this background, the review initiates discussion by highlighting the different attributes of the microdroplets such as size, shape, surface to volume ratio, wettability, and contact line. Thereafter, the effects of the surface or body forces on the properties of the droplets have been elaborated. Finally, the different aspects of such liquid droplet systems towards technological adaptations in health care, sensing, and energy harvesting have been presented. The review concludes with a tight summary on the potential avenues for further developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddharth Thakur
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam 781039, India
| | - Ashok Kumar Dasmahapatra
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam 781039, India; Centre for Nanotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam 781039, India
| | - Dipankar Bandyopadhyay
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam 781039, India; Centre for Nanotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam 781039, India.
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34
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Chung TH, Dhar BR. Paper-based platforms for microbial electrochemical cell-based biosensors: A review. Biosens Bioelectron 2021; 192:113485. [PMID: 34274625 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2021.113485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The development of low-cost analytical devices for on-site water quality monitoring is a critical need, especially for developing countries and remote communities in developed countries with limited resources. Microbial electrochemical cell-based (MXC) biosensors have been quite promising for quantitative and semi-quantitative (often qualitative) measurements of various water quality parameters due to their low cost and simplicity compared to traditional analytical methods. However, conventional MXC biosensors often encounter challenges, such as the slow establishment of biofilms, low sensitivity, and poor recoverability, making them unable to be applied for practical cases. In response, MXC biosensors assembled with paper-based materials demonstrated tremendous potentials to enhance sensitivity and field applicability. Furthermore, the paper-based platforms offer many prominent features, including autonomous liquid transport, rapid bacterial adhesion, lowered resistance, low fabrication cost (<$1 in USD), and eco-friendliness. Therefore, this review aims to summarize the current trend and applications of paper-based MXC biosensors, along with critical discussions on their field applicability. Moreover, future advancements of paper-based MXC biosensors, such as developing a novel paper-based biobatteries, increasing the system performance using an unique biocatalyst, such as yeast, and integrating the biosensor system with other advanced tools, such as machine learning and 3D printing, are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae Hyun Chung
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, 9211-116 Street NW, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Bipro Ranjan Dhar
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, 9211-116 Street NW, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1H9, Canada.
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35
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Lai B, Schneider H, Tschörtner J, Schmid A, Krömer JO. Technical-scale biophotovoltaics for long-term photo-current generation from Synechocystis sp. PCC6803. Biotechnol Bioeng 2021; 118:2637-2648. [PMID: 33844269 DOI: 10.1002/bit.27784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
A carbon-free energy supply is essential to sustain our future. Biophotovoltaics (BPV) provides a promising solution for hydrogen supply by directly coupling light-driven water splitting to hydrogen formation using oxygenic photoautotrophic cyanobacteria. However, BPV is currently limited by its low photon-to-current efficiency, and current experimental setups at a miniaturized scale hinder the rational investigation of the process and thus system optimization. In this article, we developed and optimized a new technical-scale (~250 ml working volume) BPV platform with defined and controllable operating parameters. Factors that interfered with reproducible and stable current output signals were identified and adapted. We found that the classical BG11 medium, used for the cultivation of cyanobacteria and also in many BPV studies, caused severe interferences in the bioelectrochemical experiments. An optimized nBG11 medium guaranteed a low and stable background current in the BPV reactor, regardless of the presence of light and/or mediators. As proof-of-principle, a very high long-term light-dependent current output (peak current of over 20 µA) was demonstrated in the new set-up over 12 days with living Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 cells and validated with appropriate controls. These results report the first reliable BPV platform generating reproducible photocurrent while still allowing quantitative investigation, rational optimization, and scale-up of BPV processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Lai
- Systems Biotechnology group, Department of Solar Materials, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Leipzig, 04318, Germany
| | - Hans Schneider
- Systems Biotechnology group, Department of Solar Materials, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Leipzig, 04318, Germany
| | - Jenny Tschörtner
- Systems Biotechnology group, Department of Solar Materials, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Leipzig, 04318, Germany
| | - Andreas Schmid
- Systems Biotechnology group, Department of Solar Materials, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Leipzig, 04318, Germany
| | - Jens O Krömer
- Systems Biotechnology group, Department of Solar Materials, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Leipzig, 04318, Germany
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36
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Hong H, Lee JM, Yun J, Kim YJ, Kim SI, Shin H, Ahn HS, Hwang SJ, Ryu W. Enhanced interfacial electron transfer between thylakoids and RuO 2 nanosheets for photosynthetic energy harvesting. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:7/20/eabf2543. [PMID: 33980487 PMCID: PMC8115919 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abf2543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The harvesting of photosynthetic electrons (PEs) directly from photosynthetic complexes has been demonstrated over the past decade. However, their limited efficiency and stability have hampered further practical development. For example, despite its importance, the interfacial electron transfer between the photosynthetic apparatus and the electrode has received little attention. In this study, we modified electrodes with RuO2 nanosheets to enhance the extraction of PEs from thylakoids, and the PE transfer was promoted by proton adsorption and surface polarity characteristics. The adsorbed protons maintained the potential of an electrode more positive, and the surface polarity enhanced thylakoid attachment to the electrode in addition to promoting ensemble docking between the redox species and the electrode. The RuO2 bioanode exhibited a five times larger current density and a four times larger power density than the Au bioanode. Last, the electric calculators were successfully powered by photosynthetic energy using a RuO2 bioanode.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeonaug Hong
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Jang Mee Lee
- Global Innovative Center for Advanced Nanomaterials (GICAN), School of Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - JaeHyoung Yun
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Jae Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Seon Il Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - HyeIn Shin
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun S Ahn
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Ju Hwang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea.
| | - WonHyoung Ryu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea.
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37
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Olias LG, Di Lorenzo M. Microbial fuel cells for in-field water quality monitoring. RSC Adv 2021; 11:16307-16317. [PMID: 35479166 PMCID: PMC9031575 DOI: 10.1039/d1ra01138c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The need for water security pushes for the development of sensing technologies that allow online and real-time assessments and are capable of autonomous and stable long-term operation in the field. In this context, Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) based biosensors have shown great potential due to cost-effectiveness, simplicity of operation, robustness and the possibility of self-powered applications. This review focuses on the progress of the technology in real scenarios and in-field applications and discusses the technological bottlenecks that must be overcome for its success. An overview of the most relevant findings and challenges of MFC sensors for practical implementation is provided. First, performance indicators for in-field applications, which may diverge from lab-based only studies, are defined. Progress on MFC designs for off-grid monitoring of water quality is then presented with a focus on solutions that enhance robustness and long-term stability. Finally, calibration methods and detection algorithms for applications in real scenarios are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lola Gonzalez Olias
- Centre for Biosensors, Bioelectronics and Biodevices (C3Bio) and Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Bath Bath BA2 7AY UK
- Water Innovation Research Centre (WIRC), University of Bath Bath BA2 7AY UK
| | - Mirella Di Lorenzo
- Centre for Biosensors, Bioelectronics and Biodevices (C3Bio) and Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Bath Bath BA2 7AY UK
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38
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Liu L, Choi S. Miniature microbial solar cells to power wireless sensor networks. Biosens Bioelectron 2021; 177:112970. [PMID: 33429201 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2021.112970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Conventional wireless sensor networks (WSNs) powered by traditional batteries or energy storage devices such as lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors have challenges providing long-term and self-sustaining operation due to their limited energy budgets. Emerging energy harvesting technologies can achieve the longstanding vision of self-powered, long-lived sensors. In particular, miniature microbial solar cells (MSCs) can be the most feasible power source for small and low-power sensor nodes in unattended working environments because they continuously scavenge power from microbial photosynthesis by using the most abundant resources on Earth; solar energy and water. Even with low illumination, the MSC can harvest electricity from microbial respiration. Despite the vast potential and promise of miniature MSCs, their power and lifetime remain insufficient to power potential WSN applications. In this overview, we will introduce the field of miniature MSCs, from early breakthroughs to current achievements, with a focus on emerging techniques to improve their performance. Finally, challenges and perspectives for the future direction of miniature MSCs to self-sustainably power WSN applications will be given.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Liu
- Bioelectronics & Microsystems Laboratory, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, State University of New York at Binghamton, 4400, Vestal Pkwy East, Binghamton, NY, USA
| | - Seokheun Choi
- Bioelectronics & Microsystems Laboratory, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, State University of New York at Binghamton, 4400, Vestal Pkwy East, Binghamton, NY, USA; Center for Research in Advanced Sensing Technologies & Environmental Sustainability, State University of New York at Binghamton, 4400, Vestal Pkwy East, Binghamton, NY, USA.
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39
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Nath D, Chakraborty I, Ghangrekar M. Integrating microbial electrochemical technologies for methane-to-bioelectricity and water-splitting to impart self-sustainability to wastewater treatment plants. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY REPORTS 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biteb.2021.100644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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40
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Shlosberg Y, Eichenbaum B, Tóth TN, Levin G, Liveanu V, Schuster G, Adir N. NADPH performs mediated electron transfer in cyanobacterial-driven bio-photoelectrochemical cells. iScience 2021; 24:101892. [PMID: 33364581 PMCID: PMC7750406 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that live cyanobacteria can produce photocurrent in bio-photoelectrochemical cells (BPECs) that can be exploited for clean renewable energy production. Electron transfer from cyanobacteria to the electrochemical cell was proposed to be facilitated by small molecule(s) mediator(s) whose identity (or identities) remain unknown. Here, we elucidate the mechanism of electron transfer in the BPEC by identifying the major electron mediator as NADPH in three cyanobacterial species. We show that an increase in the concentration of NADPH secreted into the external cell medium (ECM) is obtained by both illumination and activation of the BPEC. Elimination of NADPH in the ECM abrogates the photocurrent while addition of exogenous NADP+ significantly increases and prolongs the photocurrent production. NADP+ is thus the first non-toxic, water soluble electron mediator that can functionally link photosynthetic cells to an energy conversion system and may serve to improve the performance of future BPECs. NADPH is the electron mediator in cyanobacterial bio-photoelectrochemical cells Operation of the electrochemical cell induces NADPH release from cyanobacteria Addition of exogenous NADP+ to cyanobacteria enhances photocurrent production NADPH is released by different fresh or sea water cyanobacterial species
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaniv Shlosberg
- Grand Technion Energy Program, Technion, Haifa 32000, Israel.,Schulich Faculty of Chemistry, Technion, Haifa 32000, Israel
| | | | - Tünde N Tóth
- Grand Technion Energy Program, Technion, Haifa 32000, Israel.,Schulich Faculty of Chemistry, Technion, Haifa 32000, Israel
| | - Guy Levin
- Faculty of Biology, Technion, Haifa 32000, Israel
| | | | - Gadi Schuster
- Grand Technion Energy Program, Technion, Haifa 32000, Israel.,Faculty of Biology, Technion, Haifa 32000, Israel
| | - Noam Adir
- Grand Technion Energy Program, Technion, Haifa 32000, Israel.,Schulich Faculty of Chemistry, Technion, Haifa 32000, Israel
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41
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Clifford ER, Bradley RW, Wey LT, Lawrence JM, Chen X, Howe CJ, Zhang JZ. Phenazines as model low-midpoint potential electron shuttles for photosynthetic bioelectrochemical systems. Chem Sci 2021; 12:3328-3338. [PMID: 34164103 PMCID: PMC8179378 DOI: 10.1039/d0sc05655c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Bioelectrochemical approaches for energy conversion rely on efficient wiring of natural electron transport chains to electrodes. However, state-of-the-art exogenous electron mediators give rise to significant energy losses and, in the case of living systems, long-term cytotoxicity. Here, we explored new selection criteria for exogenous electron mediation by examining phenazines as novel low-midpoint potential molecules for wiring the photosynthetic electron transport chain of the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 to electrodes. We identified pyocyanin (PYO) as an effective cell-permeable phenazine that can harvest electrons from highly reducing points of photosynthesis. PYO-mediated photocurrents were observed to be 4-fold higher than mediator-free systems with an energetic gain of 200 mV compared to the common high-midpoint potential mediator 2,6-dichloro-1,4-benzoquinone (DCBQ). The low-midpoint potential of PYO led to O2 reduction side-reactions, which competed significantly against photocurrent generation; the tuning of mediator concentration was important for outcompeting the side-reactions whilst avoiding acute cytotoxicity. DCBQ-mediated photocurrents were generally much higher but also decayed rapidly and were non-recoverable with fresh mediator addition. This suggests that the cells can acquire DCBQ-resistance over time. In contrast, PYO gave rise to steadier current enhancement despite the co-generation of undesirable reactive oxygen species, and PYO-exposed cells did not develop acquired resistance. Moreover, we demonstrated that the cyanobacteria can be genetically engineered to produce PYO endogenously to improve long-term prospects. Overall, this study established that energetic gains can be achieved via the use of low-potential phenazines in photosynthetic bioelectrochemical systems, and quantifies the factors and trade-offs that determine efficacious mediation in living bioelectrochemical systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor R Clifford
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge Lensfield Road Cambridge CB2 1EW UK
| | - Robert W Bradley
- Department of Life Sciences Sir Alexander Fleming Building, Imperial College SW7 2AZ UK
| | - Laura T Wey
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge Tennis Court Road Cambridge CB2 1QW UK
| | - Joshua M Lawrence
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge Tennis Court Road Cambridge CB2 1QW UK
| | - Xiaolong Chen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge Lensfield Road Cambridge CB2 1EW UK
| | - Christopher J Howe
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge Tennis Court Road Cambridge CB2 1QW UK
| | - Jenny Z Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge Lensfield Road Cambridge CB2 1EW UK
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42
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Zhou X, Lv F, Huang Y, Liu L, Wang S. Biohybrid Conjugated Polymer Materials for Augmenting Energy Conversion of Bioelectrochemical Systems. Chemistry 2020; 26:15065-15073. [PMID: 32428308 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202002041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) provide favorable opportunities for the sustainable conversion of energy from biological metabolism. Biological photovoltaics (BPVs) and microbial fuel cells (MFCs) respectively realize the conversion of renewable solar energy and bioenergy into electrical energy by utilizing electroactive biological extracellular electron transfer, however, along with this energy conversion progress, relatively poor durability and low output performance are challenges as well as opportunities. Advances in improving bio-electrode interface compatibility will help to solve the problem of insufficient performance and further have a far-reaching impact on the development of bioelectronics. Conjugated polymers (CPs) with specific optical and electrical properties (absorption and emission spectra, energy band structure and electrical conductivity) afforded by π-conjugated backbones are conducive to enhancing the electron generation and output capacity of electroactive organisms. Furthermore, the water solubility, functionality, biocompatibility and mechanical properties optimized through appropriate modification of side chain provide a more adaptive contact interface between biomaterials and electrodes. In this minireview, we summarize the prominent contributions of CPs in the aspect of augmenting the photovoltaic response of BPVs and power supply of MFCs, and specifically discussed the role of CPs with expectation to provide inspirations for the design of bioelectronic devices in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Organic Solids, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Fengting Lv
- Key Laboratory of Organic Solids, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Yiming Huang
- Key Laboratory of Organic Solids, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Libing Liu
- Key Laboratory of Organic Solids, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Shu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Organic Solids, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
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43
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Schmitt FJ, Frielingsdorf S, Friedrich T, Budisa N. Courses Based on iGEM/BIOMOD Competitions Are the Ideal Format for Research-Based Learning of Xenobiology. Chembiochem 2020; 22:818-825. [PMID: 33191631 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202000614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic biology and especially xenobiology, as emerging new fields of science, have reached an intellectual and experimental maturity that makes them suitable for integration into the university curricula of chemical and biological disciplines. Novel scientific fields that include laboratory work are perfect playgrounds for developing highly motivating research-based teaching modules. We believe that research-based learning enriched by digital tools is the best approach for teaching new emerging essentials of academic education. This is especially true when the scientific field as such is still not canonized with text books and best-practice examples. Our experience shows that iGEM/BIOMOD competitions represent an excellent basis for designing research-based courses in xenobiology. Therefore, we present a report on "iGEM-Synthetic Biology" offered at the Technische Universität Berlin as an example.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franz-Josef Schmitt
- Department of Physics, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, von-Danckelmann-Platz 3, 06120, Halle/Saale, Germany.,Department of Chemistry, Technische Universität Berlin, Straße des 17. Juni 135, 10623, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefan Frielingsdorf
- Department of Chemistry, Technische Universität Berlin, Straße des 17. Juni 135, 10623, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas Friedrich
- Department of Chemistry, Technische Universität Berlin, Straße des 17. Juni 135, 10623, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nediljko Budisa
- Department of Chemistry, Technische Universität Berlin, Straße des 17. Juni 135, 10623, Berlin, Germany.,Chair of Chemical Synthetic Biology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, 144 Dysart Road, 360 Parker Building, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
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Chen H, Simoska O, Lim K, Grattieri M, Yuan M, Dong F, Lee YS, Beaver K, Weliwatte S, Gaffney EM, Minteer SD. Fundamentals, Applications, and Future Directions of Bioelectrocatalysis. Chem Rev 2020; 120:12903-12993. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.0c00472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Chen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, 315 South 1400 East, RM 2020, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Olja Simoska
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, 315 South 1400 East, RM 2020, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Koun Lim
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, 315 South 1400 East, RM 2020, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Matteo Grattieri
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, 315 South 1400 East, RM 2020, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Mengwei Yuan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, 315 South 1400 East, RM 2020, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Fangyuan Dong
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, 315 South 1400 East, RM 2020, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Yoo Seok Lee
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, 315 South 1400 East, RM 2020, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Kevin Beaver
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, 315 South 1400 East, RM 2020, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Samali Weliwatte
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, 315 South 1400 East, RM 2020, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Erin M. Gaffney
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, 315 South 1400 East, RM 2020, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Shelley D. Minteer
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, 315 South 1400 East, RM 2020, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
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Grattieri M, Beaver K, Gaffney EM, Dong F, Minteer SD. Advancing the fundamental understanding and practical applications of photo-bioelectrocatalysis. Chem Commun (Camb) 2020; 56:8553-8568. [PMID: 32578607 DOI: 10.1039/d0cc02672g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Photo-bioelectrocatalysis combines the natural and highly sophisticated process of photosynthesis in biological entities with an abiotic electrode surface, to perform semi-artificial photosynthesis. However, challenges must be overcome, from the establishment and understanding of the photoexcited electron harvesting process at the electrode to the electrochemical characterization of these biotic/abiotic systems, and their subsequent tuning for enhancing energy generation (chemical and/or electrical). This Feature Article discusses the various approaches utilized to tackle these challenges, particularly focusing on powerful multi-disciplinary approaches for understanding and improving photo-bioelectrocatalysis. Among them is the combination of experimental evidence and quantum mechanical calculations, the use of bioinformatics to understand photo-bioelectrocatalysis at a metabolic level, or bioengineering to improve and facilitate photo-bioelectrocatalysis. Key aspects for the future development of photo-bioelectrocatalysis are presented alongside future research needs and promising applications of semi-artificial photosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Grattieri
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, 315 S 1400 E Rm 2020, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA.
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Roxby DN, Yuan Z, Krishnamoorthy S, Wu P, Tu W, Chang G, Lau R, Chen Y. Enhanced Biophotocurrent Generation in Living Photosynthetic Optical Resonator. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2020; 7:1903707. [PMID: 32537412 PMCID: PMC7284217 DOI: 10.1002/advs.201903707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Bioenergy from photosynthetic living organisms is a potential solution for energy-harvesting and bioelectricity-generation issues. With the emerging interest in biophotovoltaics, extracting electricity from photosynthetic organisms remains challenging because of the low electron-transition rate and photon collection efficiency due to membrane shielding. In this study, the concept of "photosynthetic resonator" to amplify biological nanoelectricity through the confinement of living microalgae (Chlorella sp.) in an optical micro/nanocavity is demonstrated. Strong energy coupling between the Fabry-Perot cavity mode and photosynthetic resonance offers the potential of exploiting optical resonators to amplify photocurrent generation as well as energy harvesting. Biomimetic models and living photosynthesis are explored in which the power is increased by almost 600% and 200%, respectively. Systematic studies of photosystem fluorescence and photocurrent are simultaneously carried out. Finally, an optofluidic-based photosynthetic device is developed. It is envisaged that the key innovations proposed in this study can provide comprehensive insights in biological-energy sciences, suggesting a new avenue to amplify electrochemical signals using an optical cavity. Promising applications include photocatalysis, photoelectrochemistry, biofuel devices, and sustainable optoelectronics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel N. Roxby
- School of Electrical and Electronics EngineeringNanyang Technological University50 Nanyang AvenueSingapore639798Singapore
| | - Zhiyi Yuan
- School of Electrical and Electronics EngineeringNanyang Technological University50 Nanyang AvenueSingapore639798Singapore
| | - Sankaran Krishnamoorthy
- School of Chemical and Biomedical EngineeringNanyang Technological University62 Nanyang DriveSingapore637459Singapore
| | - Pinchieh Wu
- Department of PhotonicsNational Cheng Kung UniversityTainan CityTaiwan
| | - Wei‐Chen Tu
- Department of Electrical EngineeringNational Cheng Kung UniversityTainan CityTaiwan
| | - Guo‐En Chang
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringNational Chung Cheng UniversityChiayiTaiwan
| | - Raymond Lau
- School of Chemical and Biomedical EngineeringNanyang Technological University62 Nanyang DriveSingapore637459Singapore
| | - Yu‐Cheng Chen
- School of Electrical and Electronics EngineeringNanyang Technological University50 Nanyang AvenueSingapore639798Singapore
- School of Chemical and Biomedical EngineeringNanyang Technological University62 Nanyang DriveSingapore637459Singapore
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Takekuma Y, Ikeda N, Kawakami K, Kamiya N, Nango M, Nagata M. Photocurrent generation by a photosystem I-NiO photocathode for a p-type biophotovoltaic tandem cell. RSC Adv 2020; 10:15734-15739. [PMID: 35493643 PMCID: PMC9052782 DOI: 10.1039/d0ra01793k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Photosynthesis is a process used by algae and plants to convert light energy into chemical energy. Due to their uniquely natural and environmentally friendly nature, photosynthetic proteins have attracted attention for use in a variety of artificial applications. Among the various types, biophotovoltaics based on dye-sensitized solar cells have been demonstrated in many studies. Although most related works have used n-type semiconductors, a p-type semiconductor is also a significant potential component for tandem cells. In this work, we used mesoporous NiO as a p-type semiconductor substrate for Photosystem I (PSI) and demonstrated a p-type PSI-biophotovoltaic and tandem cell based on dye-sensitized solar cells. Under visible light illumination, the PSI-adsorbed NiO electrode generated a cathodic photocurrent. The p-type biophotovoltaic cell using the PSI-adsorbed NiO electrode generated electricity, and the IPCE spectrum was consistent with the absorption spectrum of PSI. These results indicate that the PSI-adsorbed NiO electrode acts as a photocathode. Moreover, a tandem cell consisting of the PSI-NiO photocathode and a PSI-TiO2 photoanode showed a high open-circuit voltage of over 0.7 V under illumination to the TiO2 side. Thus, the tandem strategy can be utilized for biophotovoltaics, and the use of other biomaterials that match the solar spectrum will lead to further progress in photovoltaic performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuya Takekuma
- Department of Industrial Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Tokyo University of Science 12-1 Ichigaya-funagawara, Shinjuku-ku Tokyo 162-0826 Japan
| | - Nobuhiro Ikeda
- Department of Industrial Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Tokyo University of Science 12-1 Ichigaya-funagawara, Shinjuku-ku Tokyo 162-0826 Japan
| | - Keisuke Kawakami
- Research Center for Artificial Photosynthesis (ReCAP), Osaka City University 3-3-138 Sugimoto, Sumiyoshi-ku Osaka 558-8585 Japan
| | - Nobuo Kamiya
- The OCU Advanced Research Institute for Natural Science & Technology (OCARINA), Osaka City University 3-3-138 Sugimoto, Sumiyoshi-ku Osaka 558-8585 Japan
| | - Mamoru Nango
- The OCU Advanced Research Institute for Natural Science & Technology (OCARINA), Osaka City University 3-3-138 Sugimoto, Sumiyoshi-ku Osaka 558-8585 Japan
| | - Morio Nagata
- Department of Industrial Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Tokyo University of Science 12-1 Ichigaya-funagawara, Shinjuku-ku Tokyo 162-0826 Japan
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48
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Bacteria as genetically programmable producers of bioactive natural products. Nat Rev Chem 2020; 4:172-193. [PMID: 37128046 DOI: 10.1038/s41570-020-0176-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Next to plants, bacteria account for most of the biomass on Earth. They are found everywhere, although certain species thrive only in specific ecological niches. These microorganisms biosynthesize a plethora of both primary and secondary metabolites, defined, respectively, as those required for the growth and maintenance of cellular functions and those not required for survival but offering a selective advantage for the producer under certain conditions. As a result, bacterial fermentation has long been used to manufacture valuable natural products of nutritional, agrochemical and pharmaceutical interest. The interactions of secondary metabolites with their biological targets have been optimized by millions of years of evolution and they are, thus, considered to be privileged chemical structures, not only for drug discovery. During the last two decades, functional genomics has allowed for an in-depth understanding of the underlying biosynthetic logic of secondary metabolites. This has, in turn, paved the way for the unprecedented use of bacteria as programmable biochemical workhorses. In this Review, we discuss the multifaceted use of bacteria as biological factories in diverse applications and highlight recent advances in targeted genetic engineering of bacteria for the production of valuable bioactive compounds. Emphasis is on current advances to access nature's abundance of natural products.
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Abstract
Dramatic changes in electricity generation, use and storage are needed to keep pace with increasing demand while reducing carbon dioxide emissions. There is great potential for application of bioengineering in this area. We have the tools to re-engineer biological molecules and systems, and a significant amount of research and development is being carried out on technologies such as biophotovoltaics, biocapacitors, biofuel cells and biobatteries. However, there does not seem to be a satisfactory overarching term to describe this area, and I propose a new word-'electrosynbionics'. This is to be defined as: the creation of engineered devices that use components derived from or inspired by biology to perform a useful electrical function. Here, the phrase 'electrical function' is taken to mean the generation, use and storage of electricity, where the primary charge carriers may be either electrons or ions. 'Electrosynbionics' is distinct from 'bioelectronics', which normally relates to applications in sensing, computing or electroceuticals. Electrosynbionic devices have the potential to solve challenges in electricity generation, use and storage by exploiting or mimicking some of the desirable attributes of biological systems, including high efficiency, benign operating conditions and intricate molecular structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine E Dunn
- School of Engineering, Institute for Bioengineering, University of Edinburgh, The King's Buildings, Edinburgh, EH9 3DW, Scotland, United Kingdom
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50
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Reineke W, Schlömann M. Biotechnologie und Umweltschutz. UMWELTMIKROBIOLOGIE 2020. [PMCID: PMC7253657 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-662-59655-5_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Die Belange einer umweltgemäßen Schädlingsbekämpfung führen in zunehmendem Maße zur Suche nach Mikroorganismen, die als Antagonisten gegen sogenannte Schadinsekten eingesetzt werden können oder deren Stoffwechselprodukte sich als neue Wirkstoffe eignen.
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