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Ummalyma SB, Bhaskar T. Recent advances in the role of biocatalyst in biofuel cells and its application: An overview. Biotechnol Genet Eng Rev 2024; 40:2051-2089. [PMID: 37010302 DOI: 10.1080/02648725.2023.2197715] [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: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
Biofuel cells have recently gained popularity as a green and renewable energy source. Biofuel cells are unique devices of energy and are capable of converting the stored chemical energy from waste materials such as pollutants, organics and wastewater into reliable, renewable, pollution-free energy sources through the action of biocatalysts such as various microorganisms and enzymes. It is a promising technological device to treat waste to compensate for global warming and the energy crisis through the green energy production process. Due to their unique properties, various potential biocatalysts are attracting researchers to apply them to various microbial biofuel cells for improving electricity and power. Recent research in biofuel cells is focusing on the exploitation of different biocatalysts and how they are enhancing power generation for various applications in the field of environmental technology, and biomedical fields such as implantable devices, testing kits, and biosensors. This review focusing the importance of microbial fuel cells (MFCs) and enzymatic fuel cells (ECFs) and role of different types of biocatalysts and their mechanisms for improving biofuel cell efficiency gathered from recent reports. Finally, its multifaceted applications with special emphasis on environmental technology and biomedical field will be described, along with future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabeela Beevi Ummalyma
- Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of India Takyelpat, Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (IBSD)An Autonomous Institute, Imphal, India
| | - Thallada Bhaskar
- Material Resource Efficiency Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Petroleum, Dehradun, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
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2
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Danaee S, Naghoosi H, Badali Varzaghani N, Vo PHN. Biodegradation of human faecal sludge for photosynthetic bioelectricity generation and seawater desalination in a microbial desalination cell. ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY 2024; 45:4887-4899. [PMID: 37965746 DOI: 10.1080/09593330.2023.2283406] [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: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACTInaccessibility and expensiveness of vital infrastructures are the main problems in some urban and rural areas to supply fresh water, sustainable energy, and wastewater treatment. An effective solution is the integration of several systems in an environmentally friendly technology of the photosynthetic microbial desalination cell (PMDC). The aim of this study is to assess the process characterisation of an algae-based PMDC, which was loaded with a high-strength mixture of human feces and urine (HFS). The PMDC was also able to efficiently remove COD and total nitrogen of HFS by 50% and 94%, respectively. The maximum power density, voltage, and desalination efficiency of 362.5 mW/m², 175.2 mV, and 60% were accomplished. Adequate parameter adjustment led to a remarkable maximum of 2.25 g/L.d in the ion removal rate. In addition, an energy balance was governed showing that zero or positive net energy in PMDC is feasible by replacing the main energy consumers. Based on the results, this type of MDC had a high efficiency for simultaneous saline water desalination and HFS treatment, which makes it attractive for further studies of upscaling and its application in remote areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soroosh Danaee
- Biotechnology Department, Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamed Naghoosi
- Infectious Diseases Research Center, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Neda Badali Varzaghani
- Department of Chemical Technologies, Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Phong H N Vo
- Climate Change Cluster, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia
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3
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Cao TND, Wang T, Peng Y, Hsu HY, Mukhtar H, Yu CP. Photo-assisted microbial fuel cell systems: critical review of scientific rationale and recent advances in system development. Crit Rev Biotechnol 2024; 44:31-46. [PMID: 36424845 DOI: 10.1080/07388551.2022.2115874] [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: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Bioelectrochemical systems such as microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have gained extensive attention due to their abilities to simultaneously treat wastewater and generate renewable energy resources. Recently, to boost the system performance, the photoelectrode has been incorporated into MFCs for effectively exploiting the synergistic interaction between light and microorganisms, and the resultant device is known as photo-assisted microbial fuel cells (photo-MFCs). Combined with the metabolic reaction of organic compounds by microorganisms, photo-MFCs are capable of simultaneously converting both chemical energy and light energy into electricity. This article aims to systematically review the recent advances in photo-MFCs, including the introduction of specific photosynthetic microorganisms used in photo-MFCs followed by the discussion of the fundamentals and configurations of photo-MFCs. Moreover, the materials used for photoelectrodes and their fabrication approaches are also explored. This review has shown that the innovative strategy of utilizing photoelectrodes in photo-MFCs is promising and further studies are warranted to strengthen the system stability under long-term operation for advancing practical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanh Ngoc Dan Cao
- Graduate Institute of Environmental Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - TsingHai Wang
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Yuan Ze University, Chongli, Taiwan
| | - Yong Peng
- School of Energy and Environment, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute of City University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hsien-Yi Hsu
- School of Energy and Environment, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute of City University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hussnain Mukhtar
- Department of Bioenvironmental Systems Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chang-Ping Yu
- Graduate Institute of Environmental Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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4
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Syed Z, Sogani M, Sharma G, Sonu K, Rajvanshi J, Gupta NS. Framework to improve biohydrogen generation with estrogen co-metabolism under complete suppression of nitrogen source. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2022; 360:127595. [PMID: 35803446 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2022.127595] [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: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The current work provides insights for improving the hydrogen output while degrading emerging contaminants using Rhodopseudomonas palustris. The changes in the growth rate of a microorganism due to different substrate inputs affects the hydrogen production due to metabolic route changes. The different ratios of glutamate and glycerol as nitrogen and carbon sources along with the presence of ethinylestradiol (EE2) in the photofermenter affected the flux of electrons being directed towards biosynthesis and biohydrogen generation. The combination of glutamate and glycerol in different ratios (Glu:Gly; 0, 0.20 and 0.54) along with estrogen showed no significant difference in the bacteriochlorophyll concentrations. The highest biomass concentration (0.013 h-1) was in ratio of 0.54 while maximum specific hydrogen production (1.9 ± 0.05 ml g-1 biomass h-1) was observed under complete suppression of nitrogen (0; without Glu; non-growing condition) with resultant improved estrogen degradation of about 78% in 168 h by R. palustris strain MDOC01.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zainab Syed
- Department of Biosciences, Manipal University Jaipur, Jaipur 303007, Rajasthan, India
| | - Monika Sogani
- Department of Biosciences, Manipal University Jaipur, Jaipur 303007, Rajasthan, India.
| | - Gopesh Sharma
- Department of Biosciences, Manipal University Jaipur, Jaipur 303007, Rajasthan, India
| | - Kumar Sonu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Kashi Institute of Technology, Varanasi 221307, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Jayana Rajvanshi
- Department of Biosciences, Manipal University Jaipur, Jaipur 303007, Rajasthan, India
| | - Nishan Sen Gupta
- Department of Biosciences, Manipal University Jaipur, Jaipur 303007, Rajasthan, India
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Brown B, Wilkins M, Saha R. Rhodopseudomonas palustris: A biotechnology chassis. Biotechnol Adv 2022; 60:108001. [PMID: 35680002 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2022.108001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Rhodopseudomonas palustris is an attractive option for biotechnical applications and industrial engineering due to its metabolic versatility and its ability to catabolize a wide variety of feedstocks and convert them to several high-value products. Given its adaptable metabolism, R. palustris has been studied and applied in an extensive variety of applications such as examining metabolic tradeoffs for environmental perturbations, biodegradation of aromatic compounds, environmental remediation, biofuel production, agricultural biostimulation, and bioelectricity production. This review provides a holistic summary of the commercial applications for R. palustris as a biotechnology chassis and suggests future perspectives for research and engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandi Brown
- Department of Biological Systems Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA
| | - Mark Wilkins
- Department of Biological Systems Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA; Industrial Agricultural Products Center, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA; Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA
| | - Rajib Saha
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA.
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Bio-Electrochemical System Depollution Capabilities and Monitoring Applications: Models, Applicability, Advanced Bio-Based Concept for Predicting Pollutant Degradation and Microbial Growth Kinetics via Gene Regulation Modelling. Processes (Basel) 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/pr9061038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbial fuel cells (MFC) are an emerging technology for waste, wastewater and polluted soil treatment. In this manuscript, pollutants that can be treated using MFC systems producing energy are presented. Furthermore, the applicability of MFC in environmental monitoring is described. Common microbial species used, release of genome sequences, and gene regulation mechanisms, are discussed. However, although scaling-up is the key to improving MFC systems, it is still a difficult challenge. Mathematical models for MFCs are used for their design, control and optimization. Such models representing the system are presented here. In such comprehensive models, microbial growth kinetic approaches are essential to designing and predicting a biosystem. The empirical and unstructured Monod and Monod-type models, which are traditionally used, are also described here. Understanding and modelling of the gene regulatory network could be a solution for enhancing knowledge and designing more efficient MFC processes, useful for scaling it up. An advanced bio-based modelling concept connecting gene regulation modelling of specific metabolic pathways to microbial growth kinetic models is presented here; it enables a more accurate prediction and estimation of substrate biodegradation, microbial growth kinetics, and necessary gene and enzyme expression. The gene and enzyme expression prediction can also be used in synthetic and systems biology for process optimization. Moreover, various MFC applications as a bioreactor and bioremediator, and in soil pollutant removal and monitoring, are explored.
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González-Pabón MJ, Cardeña R, Cortón E, Buitrón G. Hydrogen production in two-chamber MEC using a low-cost and biodegradable poly(vinyl) alcohol/chitosan membrane. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2021; 319:124168. [PMID: 32992275 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2020.124168] [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: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Hydrogen production was evaluated in two-chamber microbial electrolysis cells (MEC), where the chambers of the cell were separated using a new economical and environmentally friendly membrane made of poly (vinyl) alcohol/chitosan (PVA/CS). The MEC performance was compared to that of Nafion. The obtained results indicated that the MEC performance for hydrogen production did not show significant differences between the PVA/CS and Nafion membranes. MEC with PVA/CS showed the hydrogen production rate and hydrogen yield of 1277 ± 46 mL H2Lcat-1d-1 and 974 ± 116 mL H2 gacetate-1, respectively. The PVA/CS membrane allowed acetate removal that was 7% higher than that of Nafion due to the lower pH gradient and a lower voltage drop that increased the ion transfer across the membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Jesús González-Pabón
- Laboratory of Biosensors and Bioanalysis (LABB), Biochemistry Department and IQUIBICEN-CONICET, Science School, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Laboratory for Research on Advanced Processes for Water Treatment, Instituto de Ingeniería, Unidad Académica Juriquilla, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Blvd. Juriquilla 3001, 76230 Santiago de Queretaro, Queretaro, Mexico
| | - René Cardeña
- Laboratory for Research on Advanced Processes for Water Treatment, Instituto de Ingeniería, Unidad Académica Juriquilla, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Blvd. Juriquilla 3001, 76230 Santiago de Queretaro, Queretaro, Mexico
| | - Eduardo Cortón
- Laboratory of Biosensors and Bioanalysis (LABB), Biochemistry Department and IQUIBICEN-CONICET, Science School, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Germán Buitrón
- Laboratory for Research on Advanced Processes for Water Treatment, Instituto de Ingeniería, Unidad Académica Juriquilla, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Blvd. Juriquilla 3001, 76230 Santiago de Queretaro, Queretaro, Mexico.
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Umar MF, Abbas SZ, Mohamad Ibrahim MN, Ismail N, Rafatullah M. Insights into Advancements and Electrons Transfer Mechanisms of Electrogens in Benthic Microbial Fuel Cells. MEMBRANES 2020; 10:E205. [PMID: 32872260 PMCID: PMC7558326 DOI: 10.3390/membranes10090205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Benthic microbial fuel cells (BMFCs) are a kind of microbial fuel cell (MFC), distinguished by the absence of a membrane. BMFCs are an ecofriendly technology with a prominent role in renewable energy harvesting and the bioremediation of organic pollutants through electrogens. Electrogens act as catalysts to increase the rate of reaction in the anodic chamber, acting in electrons transfer to the cathode. This electron transfer towards the anode can either be direct or indirect using exoelectrogens by oxidizing organic matter. The performance of a BMFC also varies with the types of substrates used, which may be sugar molasses, sucrose, rice paddy, etc. This review presents insights into the use of BMFCs for the bioremediation of pollutants and for renewable energy production via different electron pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Faisal Umar
- Division of Environmental Technology, School of Industrial Technology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang 11800, Malaysia; (M.F.U.); (N.I.)
| | - Syed Zaghum Abbas
- Biofuels Institute, School of Environment, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | | | - Norli Ismail
- Division of Environmental Technology, School of Industrial Technology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang 11800, Malaysia; (M.F.U.); (N.I.)
| | - Mohd Rafatullah
- Division of Environmental Technology, School of Industrial Technology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang 11800, Malaysia; (M.F.U.); (N.I.)
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9
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Pankan AO, Yunus K, Fisher AC. Mechanistic evaluation of the exoelectrogenic activity of Rhodopseudomonas palustris under different nitrogen regimes. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2020; 300:122637. [PMID: 31891855 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2019.122637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/14/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The operation of bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) relies on the ability of microbes to export electrons outside of their cells. However, microorganisms are not evolutionary conceived to power BESs as most of the redox processes occur within. In this study, a low cost strategy equivalent to the one used to improve hydrogen production is employed to divert electrons from the metabolism to an electrode. Varying the ratio of nitrogen to carbon concentration (0, 0.20 and 0.54) determines what fraction of the electron flux is directed towards biosynthesis, biohydrogen generation and extracellular electron transfer. The ratio of 0.54 produced a higher specific growth rate while the ratio of 0.20 resulted in combined higher maximum specific hydrogen production and exoelectrogenic activity, translating into a maximum power density of 2.39 ± 0.13 mW m-2 in a novel hybrid hydrogen-photosynthetic microbial fuel cell. The current work sets a framework for the optimisation of R. palustris for bioenergy recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aazraa O Pankan
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge CB3 0AS, United Kingdom
| | - Kamran Yunus
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge CB3 0AS, United Kingdom
| | - Adrian C Fisher
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge CB3 0AS, United Kingdom.
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10
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Gul MM, Ahmad KS. Bioelectrochemical systems: Sustainable bio-energy powerhouses. Biosens Bioelectron 2019; 142:111576. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2019.111576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2019] [Revised: 08/03/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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11
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Microalgae at niches of bioelectrochemical systems: A new platform for sustainable energy production coupled industrial effluent treatment. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biteb.2019.100290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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12
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Qi X, Ren Y, Liang P, Wang X. New insights in photosynthetic microbial fuel cell using anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2018; 258:310-317. [PMID: 29571891 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2018.03.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2018] [Revised: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 03/11/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria (APB) pay a key role in biogeochemical cycles, and it can convert light energy to chemical energy by photosynthesis process. Photosynthetic microbial fuel cell (photo-MFC) is regarded as a promising energy-harvesting technology, which is also applied to environment treatment in recent years. The previous studies show that photo-MFC with APB have higher power putout than other bioelectrochemical systems. However, photo-MFC with APB is not reviewed due to some limited factors in the development process. In this review, photo-MFC with APB is treated according to its electron transfer pathways, the current understanding, APB strains, application, influence of substrates, and economic assessment. Meanwhile, knowledge of photosynthesis components and electron transfer pathways of APB is crucial for developing new energy and easing the serious energy crisis. Moreover, some new insights (the optimization of light source and self-sustaining bioelectricity generation) are proposed for the future explorations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Qi
- Key Laboratory of Reservoir Aquatic Environment, Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing 400714, PR China; State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101407, PR China
| | - Yiwei Ren
- Key Laboratory of Reservoir Aquatic Environment, Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing 400714, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101407, PR China
| | - Peng Liang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, PR China
| | - Xingzu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Reservoir Aquatic Environment, Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing 400714, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101407, PR China.
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Call TP, Carey T, Bombelli P, Lea-Smith DJ, Hooper P, Howe CJ, Torrisi F. Platinum-free, graphene based anodes and air cathodes for single chamber microbial fuel cells. JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY. A 2017; 5:23872-23886. [PMID: 29456857 PMCID: PMC5795293 DOI: 10.1039/c7ta06895f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2017] [Accepted: 10/30/2017] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) exploit the ability of microorganisms to generate electrical power during metabolism of substrates. However, the low efficiency of extracellular electron transfer from cells to the anode and the use of expensive rare metals as catalysts, such as platinum, limit their application and scalability. In this study we investigate the use of pristine graphene based electrodes at both the anode and the cathode of a MFC for efficient electrical energy production from the metabolically versatile bacterium Rhodopseudomonas palustris CGA009. We achieve a volumetric peak power output (PV) of up to 3.51 ± 0.50 W m-3 using graphene based aerogel anodes with a surface area of 8.2 m2 g-1. We demonstrate that enhanced MFC output arises from the interplay of the improved surface area, enhanced conductivity, and catalytic surface groups of the graphene based electrode. In addition, we show a 500-fold increase in PV to 1.3 ± 0.23 W m-3 when using a graphene coated stainless steel (SS) air cathode, compared to an uncoated SS cathode, demonstrating the feasibility of a platinum-free, graphene catalysed MFCs. Finally, we show a direct application for microwatt-consuming electronics by connecting several of these coin sized devices in series to power a digital clock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toby P Call
- Department of Biochemistry , University of Cambridge , Hopkins Building, Downing Site, Tennis Court Road , Cambridge , CB2 1QW , UK . ; ; Tel: +44 (0)1223 333688
| | - Tian Carey
- Cambridge Graphene Centre , Department of Engineering , University of Cambridge , 9 JJ Thomson Avenue , Cambridge , CB3 0FA , UK . ; ; Tel: +44 (0)1223 332803
| | - Paolo Bombelli
- Department of Biochemistry , University of Cambridge , Hopkins Building, Downing Site, Tennis Court Road , Cambridge , CB2 1QW , UK . ; ; Tel: +44 (0)1223 333688
| | - David J Lea-Smith
- Department of Biochemistry , University of Cambridge , Hopkins Building, Downing Site, Tennis Court Road , Cambridge , CB2 1QW , UK . ; ; Tel: +44 (0)1223 333688
| | - Philippa Hooper
- Cambridge Graphene Centre , Department of Engineering , University of Cambridge , 9 JJ Thomson Avenue , Cambridge , CB3 0FA , UK . ; ; Tel: +44 (0)1223 332803
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology , University of Cambridge , Philippa Fawcett Drive , Cambridge , CB3 0AS , UK
| | - Christopher J Howe
- Department of Biochemistry , University of Cambridge , Hopkins Building, Downing Site, Tennis Court Road , Cambridge , CB2 1QW , UK . ; ; Tel: +44 (0)1223 333688
| | - Felice Torrisi
- Cambridge Graphene Centre , Department of Engineering , University of Cambridge , 9 JJ Thomson Avenue , Cambridge , CB3 0FA , UK . ; ; Tel: +44 (0)1223 332803
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Rosa LT, Dix SR, Rafferty JB, Kelly DJ. Structural basis for high-affinity adipate binding to AdpC (RPA4515), an orphan periplasmic-binding protein from the tripartite tricarboxylate transporter (TTT) family in Rhodopseudomonas palustris. FEBS J 2017; 284:4262-4277. [PMID: 29082669 DOI: 10.1111/febs.14304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2017] [Revised: 09/27/2017] [Accepted: 10/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The tripartite tricarboxylate transporter (TTT) family is a poorly characterised group of prokaryotic secondary solute transport systems, which employ a periplasmic substrate-binding protein (SBP) for initial ligand recognition. The substrates of only a small number of TTT systems are known and very few SBP structures have been solved, so the mechanisms of SBP-ligand interactions in this family are not well understood. The SBP RPA4515 (AdpC) from Rhodopseudomonas palustris was found by differential scanning fluorescence and isothermal titration calorimetry to bind aliphatic dicarboxylates of a chain length of six to nine carbons, with KD values in the μm range. The highest affinity was found for the C6-dicarboxylate adipate (1,6-hexanedioate). Crystal structures of AdpC, either adipate or 2-oxoadipate bound, revealed a lack of positively charged amino acids in the binding pocket and showed that water molecules are involved in bridging hydrogen bonds to the substrate, a conserved feature in the TTT SBP family that is distinct from other types of SBP. In AdpC, both of the ligand carboxylate groups and a linear chain conformation are needed for coordination in the binding pocket. RT-PCR showed that adpC expression is upregulated by low environmental adipate concentrations, suggesting adipate is a physiologically relevant substrate but as adpC is not genetically linked to any TTT membrane transport genes, the role of AdpC may be in signalling rather than transport. Our data expand the known ligands for TTT systems and identify a novel high-affinity binding protein for adipate, an important industrial chemical intermediate and food additive. DATABASES Protein structure co-ordinates are available in the PDB under the accession numbers 5OEI and 5OKU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo T Rosa
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Samuel R Dix
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - John B Rafferty
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - David J Kelly
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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16
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Luo S, Berges JA, He Z, Young EB. Algal-microbial community collaboration for energy recovery and nutrient remediation from wastewater in integrated photobioelectrochemical systems. ALGAL RES 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.algal.2016.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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17
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Saratale RG, Kuppam C, Mudhoo A, Saratale GD, Periyasamy S, Zhen G, Koók L, Bakonyi P, Nemestóthy N, Kumar G. Bioelectrochemical systems using microalgae - A concise research update. CHEMOSPHERE 2017; 177:35-43. [PMID: 28284115 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.02.132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2016] [Revised: 02/22/2017] [Accepted: 02/25/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Excess consumption of energy by humans is compounded by environmental pollution, the greenhouse effect and climate change impacts. Current developments in the use of algae for bioenergy production offer several advantages. Algal biomass is hence considered a new bio-material which holds the promise to fulfil the rising demand for energy. Microalgae are used in effluents treatment, bioenergy production, high value added products synthesis and CO2 capture. This review summarizes the potential applications of algae in bioelectrochemically mediated oxidation reactions in fully biotic microbial fuel cells for power generation and removal of unwanted nutrients. In addition, this review highlights the recent developments directed towards developing different types of microalgae MFCs. The different process factors affecting the performance of microalgae MFC system and some technological bottlenecks are also addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rijuta Ganesh Saratale
- Research Institute of Biotechnology and Medical Converged Science, Dongguk University-Seoul, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, 10326, Republic of Korea
| | - Chandrasekar Kuppam
- School of Applied Biosciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 702-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Ackmez Mudhoo
- Department of Chemical & Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Mauritius, Réduit, 80837, Mauritius
| | - Ganesh Dattatraya Saratale
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Dongguk University-Seoul, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, 10326, Republic of Korea
| | - Sivagurunathan Periyasamy
- Center for Materials Cycles and Waste Management Research, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Guangyin Zhen
- Shanghai Key Lab for Urban Ecological Processes and Eco-Restoration, School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Dongchuan Rd. 500, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - László Koók
- Research Institute on Bioengineering, Membrane Technology and Energetics, University of Pannonia, Egyetem ut 10, 8200, Veszprém, Hungary
| | - Péter Bakonyi
- Research Institute on Bioengineering, Membrane Technology and Energetics, University of Pannonia, Egyetem ut 10, 8200, Veszprém, Hungary
| | - Nándor Nemestóthy
- Research Institute on Bioengineering, Membrane Technology and Energetics, University of Pannonia, Egyetem ut 10, 8200, Veszprém, Hungary
| | - Gopalakrishnan Kumar
- Sustainable Management of Natural Resources and Environment Research Group, Faculty of Environment and Labour Safety, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam.
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Lee HS, Dhar BR, An J, Rittmann BE, Ryu H, Santo Domingo JW, Ren H, Chae J. The Roles of Biofilm Conductivity and Donor Substrate Kinetics in a Mixed-Culture Biofilm Anode. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2016; 50:12799-12807. [PMID: 27797183 PMCID: PMC7388032 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.6b04168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
We experimentally assessed the kinetics and thermodynamics of electron transfer (ET) from the donor substrate (acetate) to the anode for a mixed-culture biofilm anode. We interpreted the results with a modified biofilm-conduction model consisting of three ET steps in series: (1) intracellular ET, (2) non-Ohmic extracellular ET (EET) from an outer membrane protein to an extracellular cofactor (EC), and (3) ET from the EC to the anode by Ohmic-conduction in the biofilm matrix. The steady-state current density was 0.82 ± 0.03 A/m2 in a miniature microbial electrochemical cell operated at fixed anode potential of -0.15 V versus the standard hydrogen electrode. Illumina 16S-rDNA and -rRNA sequences showed that the Geobacter genus was less than 30% of the community of the biofilm anode. Biofilm conductivity was high at 2.44 ± 0.42 mS/cm, indicating that the maximum current density could be as high as 270 A/m2 if only Ohmic-conduction EET was limiting. Due to the high biofilm conductivity, the maximum energy loss for Ohmic-conduction EET was negligible, 0.085 mV. The energy loss in the second ET step also was small, only 20 mV, and the potential for the EC involved in the second ET was -0.15 V, a value documenting that >99% of the EC was in the oxidized state. Monod kinetics for utilization of acetate were relatively slow, and at least 87% of the energy loss was in the intracellular step. Thus, intracellular ET was the main kinetic and thermodynamic bottleneck to ET from donor substrate to the anode for a highly conductive biofilm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyung-Sool Lee
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario N2L3G1, Canada
| | - Bipro Ranjan Dhar
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario N2L3G1, Canada
| | - Junyeong An
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario N2L3G1, Canada
| | - Bruce E. Rittmann
- Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, The Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University, P.O. Box 875701, Tempe, Arizona 85287-5701, United States
| | - Hodon Ryu
- National Risk Management Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 26 W. Martin Luther King Drive, Cincinnati, Ohio 45268, United States
| | - Jorge W. Santo Domingo
- National Risk Management Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 26 W. Martin Luther King Drive, Cincinnati, Ohio 45268, United States
| | - Hao Ren
- School of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States
| | - Junseok Chae
- School of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States
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Mohammadi Khalfbadam H, Cheng KY, Sarukkalige R, Kaksonen AH, Kayaalp AS, Ginige MP. A bio-anodic filter facilitated entrapment, decomposition and in situ oxidation of algal biomass in wastewater effluent. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2016; 216:529-536. [PMID: 27268438 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2016.05.080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2016] [Revised: 05/19/2016] [Accepted: 05/20/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
This study examined for the first time the use of bioelectrochemical systems (BES) to entrap, decompose and oxidise fresh algal biomass from an algae-laden effluent. The experimental process consisted of a photobioreactor for a continuous production of the algal-laden effluent, and a two-chamber BES equipped with anodic graphite granules and carbon-felt to physically remove and oxidise algal biomass from the influent. Results showed that the BES filter could retain ca. 90% of the suspended solids (SS) loaded. A coulombic efficiency (CE) of 36.6% (based on particulate chemical oxygen demand (PCOD) removed) was achieved, which was consistent with the highest CEs of BES studies (operated in microbial fuel cell mode (MFC)) that included additional pre-treatment steps for algae hydrolysis. Overall, this study suggests that a filter type BES anode can effectively entrap, decompose and in situ oxidise algae without the need for a separate pre-treatment step.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Mohammadi Khalfbadam
- CSIRO Land and Water, Floreat, Western Australia 6014, Australia; Department of Civil Engineering, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia 6102, Australia
| | - Ka Yu Cheng
- CSIRO Land and Water, Floreat, Western Australia 6014, Australia; School of Engineering and Information Technology, Murdoch University, Western Australia 6150, Australia
| | - Ranjan Sarukkalige
- Department of Civil Engineering, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia 6102, Australia
| | - Anna H Kaksonen
- CSIRO Land and Water, Floreat, Western Australia 6014, Australia; School of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, and Oceans Institute, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia 6009, Australia
| | - Ahmet S Kayaalp
- Water Corporation of Western Australia, Leederville, Western Australia 6007, Australia
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Venkidusamy K, Megharaj M. A Novel Electrophototrophic Bacterium Rhodopseudomonas palustris Strain RP2, Exhibits Hydrocarbonoclastic Potential in Anaerobic Environments. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:1071. [PMID: 27462307 PMCID: PMC4940424 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.01071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2016] [Accepted: 06/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
An electrophototrophic, hydrocarbonoclastic bacterium Rhodopseudomonas palustris stain RP2 was isolated from the anodic biofilms of hydrocarbon fed microbial electrochemical remediation systems (MERS). Salient properties of the strain RP2 were direct electrode respiration, dissimilatory metal oxide reduction, spore formation, anaerobic nitrate reduction, free living diazotrophy and the ability to degrade n-alkane components of petroleum hydrocarbons (PH) in anoxic, photic environments. In acetate fed microbial electrochemical cells, a maximum current density of 305 ± 10 mA/m(2) (1000Ω) was generated (power density 131.65 ± 10 mW/m(2)) by strain RP2 with a coulombic efficiency of 46.7 ± 1.3%. Cyclic voltammetry studies showed that anaerobically grown cells of strain RP2 is electrochemically active and likely to transfer electrons extracellularly to solid electron acceptors through membrane bound compounds, however, aerobically grown cells lacked the electrochemical activity. The ability of strain RP2 to produce current (maximum current density 21 ± 3 mA/m(2); power density 720 ± 7 μW/m(2), 1000 Ω) using PH as a sole energy source was also examined using an initial concentration of 800 mg l(-1) of diesel range hydrocarbons (C9-C36) with a concomitant removal of 47.4 ± 2.7% hydrocarbons in MERS. Here, we also report the first study that shows an initial evidence for the existence of a hydrocarbonoclastic behavior in the strain RP2 when grown in different electron accepting and illuminated conditions (anaerobic and MERS degradation). Such observations reveal the importance of photoorganotrophic growth in the utilization of hydrocarbons from contaminated environments. Identification of such novel petrochemical hydrocarbon degrading electricigens, not only expands the knowledge on the range of bacteria known for the hydrocarbon bioremediation but also shows a biotechnological potential that goes well beyond its applications to MERS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishnaveni Venkidusamy
- Centre for Environmental Risk Assessment and Remediation, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, SAAustralia; CRC for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment, Mawson Lakes, SAAustralia
| | - Mallavarapu Megharaj
- Centre for Environmental Risk Assessment and Remediation, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, SAAustralia; CRC for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment, Mawson Lakes, SAAustralia; Global Centre for Environmental Risk Assessment and Remediation, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSWAustralia
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Venkata Mohan S, Velvizhi G, Vamshi Krishna K, Lenin Babu M. Microbial catalyzed electrochemical systems: a bio-factory with multi-facet applications. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2014; 165:355-364. [PMID: 24791713 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2014.03.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2014] [Revised: 03/08/2014] [Accepted: 03/12/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Microbial catalyzed electrochemical systems (MCES) have been intensively pursued in both basic and applied research as a futuristic and sustainable platform specifically in harnessing energy and generating value added bio-products. MCES have documented multiple/diverse applications which include microbial fuel cell (for harnessing bioelectricity), bioelectrochemical treatment system (waste remediation), bioelectrochemical system (bio-electrosynthesis of various value added products) and microbial electrolytic cell (H2 production at lower applied potential). Microorganisms function as biocatalyst in these fuel cell systems and the resulting electron flux from metabolism plays pivotal role in bio-electrogenesis. Exo-electron transfer machineries and strategies that regulate metabolic flux towards exo-electron transport were delineated. This review addresses the contemporary progress and advances made in MCES, focusing on its application towards value addition and waste remediation.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Venkata Mohan
- Bioengineering and Environmental Centre (BEEC), CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad 500 007, India.
| | - G Velvizhi
- Bioengineering and Environmental Centre (BEEC), CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad 500 007, India
| | - K Vamshi Krishna
- Bioengineering and Environmental Centre (BEEC), CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad 500 007, India
| | - M Lenin Babu
- Bioengineering and Environmental Centre (BEEC), CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad 500 007, India
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Inglesby AE, Fisher AC. Downstream application of a microbial fuel cell for energy recovery from an Arthrospira maxima fed anaerobic digester effluent. RSC Adv 2013. [DOI: 10.1039/c3ra42277a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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Carmona-Martínez AA, Pierra M, Trably E, Bernet N. High current density via direct electron transfer by the halophilic anode respiring bacterium Geoalkalibacter subterraneus. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2013; 15:19699-707. [DOI: 10.1039/c3cp54045f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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