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Godain A, Vogel TM, Fongarland P, Haddour N. Influence of shear stress on electroactive biofilm characteristics and performance in microbial fuel cells. Biosens Bioelectron 2024; 244:115806. [PMID: 37944355 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2023.115806] [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: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
This study has provided comprehensive insights into the intricate relationship between shear stress and the development, structure, and functionality of electroactive biofilms in Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs). A multichannel microfluidic MFC reactors that created specific shear stress on the anode, were designed for the simultaneous study of multiple flow conditions using the same medium. Then, the evolution of the biofilm growth under different shear stress conditions (1, 5 and 10 mPa) were compared. The taxonomic and functional structure was studied by 16S rRNA gene and metagenomic sequencing and the physical biofilm characteristics were measured via fluorescence microscopy. The results demonstrate the pivotal role of shear stress in influencing the growth kinetics, electrical performance, and physical structure of anodic biofilms. Notably, the selection of specific EAB was observed to be shear stress-dependent, with a marked increase in specific EAB abundance as shear stress increased. The power density, while not directly correlated with the relative abundance of specific or nonspecific EAB, exhibited a strong linear relationship with biofilm coverage. This suggests that factors beyond the microbial composition, potentially including mass transport or electrochemical conditions, might be instrumental in determining electricity production. The functional metagenomic analysis further highlighted the complexities of extracellular electron transfer (EET) mechanisms in electroactive biofilm. While certain genes associated with EET in known species such as Geobacter and Shewanella were identified, the study also examined the limitations of solely relying on genetic markers to infer EET capabilities, emphasizing the need for complementary metaproteomic analyses. This study demonstrates the multifaceted impact of shear stress on electroactive biofilm and paves the way for future investigations aimed at harnessing the potential of electroactive biofilms in microbial fuel cell applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexiane Godain
- Univ Lyon, Ecole Centrale de Lyon, INSA Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, Ampère, UMR5005, 69130, Ecully, France; Universite Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Laboratoire d'Ecologie Microbienne, UMR CNRS 5557, UMR INRAE 1418, VetAgro Sup, 69622, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Timothy M Vogel
- Universite Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Laboratoire d'Ecologie Microbienne, UMR CNRS 5557, UMR INRAE 1418, VetAgro Sup, 69622, Villeurbanne, France.
| | - Pascal Fongarland
- CPE-Lyon, CP2M, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR 5128, 43 Boulevard du 11 Novembre 1918, CEDEX, 69616, Villeurbanne, France.
| | - Naoufel Haddour
- Univ Lyon, Ecole Centrale de Lyon, INSA Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, Ampère, UMR5005, 69130, Ecully, France.
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2
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Godain A, Vogel TM, Fongarland P, Haddour N. Influence of Hydrodynamic Forces on Electroactive Bacterial Adhesion in Microbial Fuel Cell Anodes. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:1380. [PMID: 38135971 PMCID: PMC10740411 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10121380] [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: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
This investigation examined the role of shear stress on the dynamic development of microbial communities within anodic biofilms in single-chamber microbial fuel cells (MFCs). Bacterial attachment to surfaces, often regarded as a crucial step in biofilm formation, may significantly contribute to the selection of electroactive bacteria (EAB). It is well established that hydrodynamic forces, particularly shear forces, have a profound influence on bacterial adhesion. This study postulates that shear stress could select EAB on the anode during the adhesion phase by detaching non-EAB. To examine this hypothesis, MFC reactors equipped with a shear stress chamber were constructed, creating specific shear stress on the anode. The progression of adhesion under various shear stress conditions (1, 10, and 50 mPa) was compared with a control MFC lacking shear stress. The structure of the microbial community was assessed using 16S rRNA gene (rrs) sequencing, and the percentage of biofilm coverage was analyzed using fluorescence microscopy. The results indicate a significant impact of shear stress on the relative abundance of specific EAB, such as Geobacter, which was higher (up to 30%) under high shear stress than under low shear stress (1%). Furthermore, it was noted that shear stress decreased the percentage of biofilm coverage on the anodic surface, suggesting that the increase in the relative abundance of specific EAB occurs through the detachment of other bacteria. These results offer insights into bacterial competition during biofilm formation and propose that shear stress could be utilized to select specific EAB to enhance the electroactivity of anodic biofilms. However, additional investigations are warranted to further explore the effects of shear stress on mature biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexiane Godain
- Ecole Centrale de Lyon, INSA Lyon, Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, Ampère, UMR5005, 69130 Ecully, France
- Laboratoire d’Ecologie Microbienne, Universite Claude Bernard Lyon 1, UMR CNRS 5557, UMR INRAE 1418, VetAgro Sup, 69622 Villeurbanne, France;
| | - Timothy M. Vogel
- Laboratoire d’Ecologie Microbienne, Universite Claude Bernard Lyon 1, UMR CNRS 5557, UMR INRAE 1418, VetAgro Sup, 69622 Villeurbanne, France;
| | - Pascal Fongarland
- CPE-Lyon, CP2M, Universite Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR 5128, 69616 Villeurbanne, France;
| | - Naoufel Haddour
- Ecole Centrale de Lyon, INSA Lyon, Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, Ampère, UMR5005, 69130 Ecully, France
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3
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Kumar T, Naik S, Jujjavarappu SE. A critical review on early-warning electrochemical system on microbial fuel cell-based biosensor for on-site water quality monitoring. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 291:133098. [PMID: 34848233 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.133098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
The microbial fuel cell (MFC) sensor is a very promising self-powered self-sustainable system for early warning water quality detection. These sensors are cost-effective, biodegradable, compact in design, and portable in nature are favorable for real-time in situ water quality monitoring. This review represents the mechanism action behind the toxicity detection, optimization strategies, process parameters, role of biofilm, the role of external resistance, hydrodynamic study, and mathematical modeling for improving the performance of the sensor. Additionally, the techno-economic prospect of this MFC-based sensor and its challenges, limitations are addressed to make it economically more favorable for commercial use. The future direction is also explored based on the sensor's disadvantages and limitations. Comprehensively, this review covered all the possible directions of MFC sensor fabrication, their application, recent advancement, prospects challenges, and their possible solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tukendra Kumar
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, 492001, India
| | - Sweta Naik
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, 492001, India
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Amirdehi MA, Gong L, Khodaparastasgarabad N, Sonawane JM, Logan BE, Greener J. Hydrodynamic interventions and measurement protocols to quantify and mitigate power overshoot in microbial fuel cells using microfluidics. Electrochim Acta 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2021.139771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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5
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Prathiba S, Kumar PS, Vo DVN. Recent advancements in microbial fuel cells: A review on its electron transfer mechanisms, microbial community, types of substrates and design for bio-electrochemical treatment. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 286:131856. [PMID: 34399268 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.131856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The development in urbanization, growth in industrialization and deficiency in crude oil wealth has made to focus more for the renewable and also sustainable spotless energy resources. In the past two decades, the concepts of microbial fuel cell have caught more considerations among the scientific societies for the probability of converting, organic waste materials into bio-energy using microorganisms catalyzed anode, and enzymatic/microbial/abiotic/biotic cathode electro-chemical reactions. The added benefit with MFCs technology for waste water treatment is numerous bio-centered processes are available such as sulfate removal, denitrification, nitrification, removal of chemical oxygen demand and biological oxygen demand and heavy metals removal can be performed in the same MFC designed systems. The various factors intricate in MFC concepts in the direction of bioenergy production consists of maximum coulombic efficiency, power density and also the rate of removal of chemical oxygen demand which calculates the efficacy of the MFC unit. Even though the efficacy of MFCs in bioenergy production was initially quietly low, therefore to overcome these issues few modifications are incorporated in design and components of the MFC units, thereby functioning of the MFC unit have improvised the rate of bioenergy production to a substantial level by this means empowering application of MFC technology in numerous sectors including carbon capture, bio-hydrogen production, bioremediation, biosensors, desalination, and wastewater treatment. The present article reviews about the microbial community, types of substrates and information about the several designs of MFCs in an endeavor to get the better of practical difficulties of the MFC technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Prathiba
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College of Engineering, Chennai, 603 110, India; Centre of Excellence in Water Research (CEWAR), Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College of Engineering, Chennai, 603 110, India
| | - P Senthil Kumar
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College of Engineering, Chennai, 603 110, India; Centre of Excellence in Water Research (CEWAR), Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College of Engineering, Chennai, 603 110, India.
| | - Dai-Viet N Vo
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
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6
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Sun H, Xu M, Wu S, Dong R, Angelidaki I, Zhang Y. Innovative air-cathode bioelectrochemical sensor for monitoring of total volatile fatty acids during anaerobic digestion. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 273:129660. [PMID: 33497985 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.129660] [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: 08/01/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Bioelectrochemical sensors have proven attractive as simple and low-cost methods with high potential for online monitoring of volatile fatty acids (VFA) in the anaerobic digestion (AD) process. Herein, an innovative dual-chamber air-cathode microbial fuel cell was developed as biosensor for VFA monitoring. The response of the biosensor was nonlinear and increased along with the concentration of VFA mixture increase (2.8-112 mM). Meanwhile, the relationship was linear with low VFA levels (<14 mM) within 2-5 h reaction. High concentrations of bicarbonate decreased the voltage. Stirring speeded up the response and amplified the signal but reduced the saturation concentration (approximately 30 mM) and therefore narrowed the detection range. The applicability of the biosensor was further validated with the effluents from an AD reactor during a start-up period. The VFA concentrations measured by the biosensor were well correlated with the gas chromatographic measurement. The results demonstrate that this biosensor with a novel design could be used for VFA monitoring during the AD process. Based on the 16S rRNA gene sequencing, the dominant microbiomes in the biofilm were identified as Geobacter, Hydrogenophaga, Pelobacter, Chryseobacterium, Oryzomicrobium, and Dysgonomonas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Sun
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800, Lyngby, Denmark; College of Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100083, PR China.
| | - Mingyi Xu
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Shubiao Wu
- Aarhus Institute of Advanced Studies, Aarhus University, Høegh-Guldbergs Gade 6B, DK-8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Renjie Dong
- College of Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100083, PR China
| | - Irini Angelidaki
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Yifeng Zhang
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800, Lyngby, Denmark.
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7
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Fujii K, Yoshida N, Miyazaki K. Michaelis-Menten equation considering flow velocity reveals how microbial fuel cell fluid design affects electricity recovery from sewage wastewater. Bioelectrochemistry 2021; 140:107821. [PMID: 33915342 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2021.107821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Hydrodynamics has received considerable attention for application in improving microbial fuel cell (MFC) performance. In this study, a method is proposed to calculate the effect of fluid flow on MFC current production from sewage wastewater. First, the effect of flow velocity in an up-flow channel was evaluated, where an air-core MFC was polarized with external resistance (Rext). When tested at a flow velocity ranging from 0 to 20 cm s-1, the MFC with the higher flow velocity produced more current. In sewage wastewater with a chemical oxygen demand (COD) of 76 mg L-1, the MFC polarized with 3 Ω of Rext, and a flow velocity of 20 cm s-1 had 5.4 times more current than the MFC operating in a no-flow environment. This magnitude decreased with higher Rext and COD values. The Michaelis-Menten equation, modified herein by integrating COD and flow velocity, demonstrated the production of current by MFC operating under different conditions of flow. Calculation of current by MFC in a virtual fluid suggested that the flow surrounding the MFC varied with the configuration and affected the current production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken Fujii
- Department of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Industrial Management Engineering, Nagoya Institute of Technology (Nitech), Nagoya, Japan
| | - Naoko Yoshida
- Department of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Industrial Management Engineering, Nagoya Institute of Technology (Nitech), Nagoya, Japan.
| | - Kohei Miyazaki
- Department of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Industrial Management Engineering, Nagoya Institute of Technology (Nitech), Nagoya, Japan
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8
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de Ramón-Fernández A, Salar-García M, Ruiz Fernández D, Greenman J, Ieropoulos I. Evaluation of artificial neural network algorithms for predicting the effect of the urine flow rate on the power performance of microbial fuel cells. ENERGY (OXFORD, ENGLAND) 2020; 213:118806. [PMID: 33335352 PMCID: PMC7695679 DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2020.118806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/06/2020] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Microbial fuel cell (MFC) power performance strongly depends on the biofilm growth, which in turn is affected by the feed flow rate. In this work, an artificial neural network (ANN) approach has been used to simulate the effect of the flow rate on the power output by ceramic MFCs fed with neat human urine. To this aim, three different second-order algorithms were used to train our network and then compared in terms of prediction accuracy and convergence time: Quasi-Newton, Levenberg-Marquardt, and Conjugate Gradient. The results showed that the three training algorithms were able to accurately simulate power production. Amongst all of them, the Levenberg-Marquardt was the one that presented the highest accuracy (R = 95%) and the fastest convergence (7.8 s). These results show that ANNs are useful and reliable tools for predicting energy harvesting from ceramic-MFCs under changeable flow rate conditions, which will facilitate the practical deployment of this technology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - M.J. Salar-García
- Bristol BioEnergy Centre, Bristol Robotic Laboratory, Block T, University of the West of England, Bristol, Coldharbour Lane, Bristol, BS16 1QY, UK
| | - D. Ruiz Fernández
- Department of Computer Technology, University of Alicante, Alicante, E-03690, Spain
| | - J. Greenman
- Bristol BioEnergy Centre, Bristol Robotic Laboratory, Block T, University of the West of England, Bristol, Coldharbour Lane, Bristol, BS16 1QY, UK
| | - I.A. Ieropoulos
- Bristol BioEnergy Centre, Bristol Robotic Laboratory, Block T, University of the West of England, Bristol, Coldharbour Lane, Bristol, BS16 1QY, UK
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9
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10
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Wang CT, Ong Tang RC, Wu MW, Garg A, Ubando AT, Culaba A, Ong HC, Chong WT. Flow shear stress applied in self-buffered microbial fuel cells. Process Biochem 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.procbio.2020.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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11
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Moß C, Jarmatz N, Hartig D, Schnöing L, Scholl S, Schröder U. Studying the Impact of Wall Shear Stress on the Development and Performance of Electrochemically Active Biofilms. Chempluschem 2020; 85:2298-2307. [PMID: 32975878 DOI: 10.1002/cplu.202000544] [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: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
A laminar flow reactor was designed that provides constant and reproducible growth conditions for the bioelectrochemical observation of electroactive bacteria (EAB). Experiments were performed using four reactors in parallel to enable the comparison of EAB growth behavior and bioelectrochemical performance under different hydrodynamic conditions while simultaneously keeping biological conditions identical. With regard to the moderate flow conditions found in wastewater treatment applications, the wall shear stress was adjusted to a range between 0.4 mPa to 2.9 mPa. Chronoamperometric data indicate that early stage current densities are improved by a moderate increase of the wall shear stress. In the same way, current onset times were increasing slightly towards higher values of the applied wall shear stress. Long-term observations of EAB performance showed a decrease in current density and a leveling of the trend observed for the early stages of biofilm growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Moß
- Institute of Environmental and Sustainable Chemistry, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Hagenring 30, 38106, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Niklas Jarmatz
- Institute for Chemical and Thermal Process Engineering, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Langer Kamp 7, 38106, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Dave Hartig
- Institute for Chemical and Thermal Process Engineering, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Langer Kamp 7, 38106, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Lukas Schnöing
- Institute for Chemical and Thermal Process Engineering, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Langer Kamp 7, 38106, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Stephan Scholl
- Institute for Chemical and Thermal Process Engineering, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Langer Kamp 7, 38106, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Uwe Schröder
- Institute of Environmental and Sustainable Chemistry, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Hagenring 30, 38106, Braunschweig, Germany
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12
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Xiao N, Selvaganapathy PR, Wu R, Huang JJ. Influence of wastewater microbial community on the performance of miniaturized microbial fuel cell biosensor. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2020; 302:122777. [PMID: 31991390 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2020.122777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2019] [Revised: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) based sensors had been studied in measuring biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) or the equivalent chemical oxygen demand (COD) recently. Limited attention has been paid to the effect of the microbial communities in wastewater on the responses of these sensors. This study systematically evaluated, for the first time, the effect of wastewater samples from a variety of sources on the electrical response of a micro-fabricated double-chamber MFC device. It was found that the response of the MFC is positively correlated with the bacterial composition, in particular electroactive bacteria. The presence of aerobic bacteria in the sample reduces the current generation. These findings indicated that the bacterial content of the water sample could be a significant interference source and must be considered in the use of µMFC-based sensors. Filtering samples may be effective in improving the reliability of these microsensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Xiao
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering/Sino-Canada Joint R&D Centre for Water and Environmental Safety, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, PR China; Department of Mechanical Engineering, McMaster University, Hamilton L8S 4L7, Canada
| | | | - Rong Wu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, McMaster University, Hamilton L8S 4L7, Canada
| | - Jinhui Jeanne Huang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering/Sino-Canada Joint R&D Centre for Water and Environmental Safety, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, PR China.
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Liu Y, Sun X, Yin D, Cai L, Zhang L. Suspended anode-type microbial fuel cells for enhanced electricity generation. RSC Adv 2020; 10:9868-9877. [PMID: 35498583 PMCID: PMC9050365 DOI: 10.1039/c9ra08288c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Electricity generation in microbial fuel cells can be restricted by a few factors, such as the effective area of the anode for biofilm attachment, diffusion limitation of substrates and internal resistance. In this paper, a suspended anode (carbon-based felt granule)-type microbial fuel cell was developed to make full use of the volume of the anode chamber and provide a larger surface area of the anode for the growth of exoelectrogenic bacteria. The current collector was rotated in the anodic chamber to contact with the suspended granules intermittently and achieve better mixing. The open-circuit voltage reached steady state at around 0.83 V. The maximum power density obtained from each scenario increased steadily with the increase in mixing rate. The internal resistance decreased when the rotational rate and the content of the carbon granules were increased. The maximum power density reached 951 ± 14 mW m−3 with a corresponding minimum internal resistance of 162.9 ± 3.5 Ω when the mass of carbon granules was 50 g and the rotational rate was 300 rpm. The suspended microbes made negligible contribution to the power density. The microbial fuel cell with a higher content of carbon granules had lower coulombic efficiency and lower relative abundance of exoelectrogenic bacteria. Suspended anode (carbon-based granules) with intermittent contact by stirring it in an anodic chamber of an MFC to enhance the performance.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiyang Liu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering
- East China University of Science and Technology
- Shanghai 200237
- China
| | - Xiaoyan Sun
- Institute of Hydrobiology
- Chinese Academy of Sciences
- Wuhan 430072
- China
| | - Di Yin
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering
- East China University of Science and Technology
- Shanghai 200237
- China
| | - Lankun Cai
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering
- East China University of Science and Technology
- Shanghai 200237
- China
| | - Lehua Zhang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering
- East China University of Science and Technology
- Shanghai 200237
- China
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14
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Adekunle A, Rickwood C, Tartakovsky B. Online monitoring of heavy metal-related toxicity using flow-through and floating microbial fuel cell biosensors. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2019; 192:52. [PMID: 31848773 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-019-7850-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 09/29/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Elevated concentrations of heavy metals in water caused by mining activities create significant risks to the environment. Traditional biological methods used to assess heavy metal-related toxicity in aquatic environments are lengthy and labor intensive. Real-time biomonitoring approaches eliminate some of these limitations and provide a more accurate indication of toxicity. This study describes the performance of a flow-through and floating design microbial fuel cell (MFC) biosensors for real-time detection of copper (Cu) and other heavy metal-related toxicity in aquatic environments. Several biomonitoring tests were carried out using Cu and mining effluents as toxicants. The biosensors were able to detect, in real-time, Cu-related toxicity at concentrations as low as 35 - 40 μg L-1, as confirmed by a Daphnia assay. A comparison of the floating biosensor's outputs with Daphnia magna survival rates showed a linear correlation with a coefficient of determination (R2) higher than 0.9. In addition, the flow-through biosensor was shown to be able to detect differences in the quality of two mining effluents with different compositions of heavy metals. Finally, the biosensor's real-time field performance was investigated in two aquatic environments in the Sudbury, Ontario region of Canada.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ademola Adekunle
- National Research Council of Canada, 6100 Royalmount Ave, Montreal, QC, H4P 2R2, Canada.
| | - Carrie Rickwood
- Natural Resources Canada, 580 Booth Street, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0E4, Canada
| | - Boris Tartakovsky
- National Research Council of Canada, 6100 Royalmount Ave, Montreal, QC, H4P 2R2, Canada
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15
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Strategies for improving the electroactivity and specific metabolic functionality of microorganisms for various microbial electrochemical technologies. Biotechnol Adv 2019; 39:107468. [PMID: 31707076 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2019.107468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2019] [Revised: 11/02/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Electroactive microorganisms, which possess extracellular electron transfer (EET) capabilities, are the basis of microbial electrochemical technologies (METs) such as microbial fuel and electrolysis cells. These are considered for several applications ranging from the energy-efficient treatment of waste streams to the production of value-added chemicals and fuels, bioremediation, and biosensing. Various aspects related to the microorganisms, electrodes, separators, reactor design, and operational or process parameters influence the overall functioning of METs. The most fundamental and critical performance-determining factor is, however, the microorganism-electrode interactions. Modification of the electrode surfaces and microorganisms for optimizing their interactions has therefore been the major MET research focus area over the last decade. In the case of microorganisms, primarily their EET mechanisms and efficiencies along with the biofilm formation capabilities, collectively considered as microbial electroactivity, affect their interactions with the electrodes. In addition to electroactivity, the specific metabolic or biochemical functionality of microorganisms is equally crucial to the target MET application. In this article, we present the major strategies that are used to enhance the electroactivity and specific functionality of microorganisms pertaining to both anodic and cathodic processes of METs. These include simple physical methods based on the use of heat and magnetic field along with chemical, electrochemical, and growth media amendment approaches to the complex procedure-based microbial bioaugmentation, co-culture, and cell immobilization or entrapment, and advanced toolkit-based biofilm engineering, genetic modifications, and synthetic biology strategies. We further discuss the applicability and limitations of these strategies and possible future research directions for advancing the highly promising microbial electrochemistry-driven biotechnology.
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16
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Hernandez CA, Beni V, Osma JF. Fully Automated Microsystem for Unmediated Electrochemical Characterization, Visualization and Monitoring of Bacteria on Solid Media; E. coli K-12: A Case Study. BIOSENSORS 2019; 9:E131. [PMID: 31689950 PMCID: PMC6956053 DOI: 10.3390/bios9040131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Revised: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
In this paper, we present a non-fluidic microsystem for the simultaneous visualization and electrochemical evaluation of confined, growing bacteria on solid media. Using a completely automated platform, real-time monitoring of bacterial and image-based computer characterization of growth were performed. Electrochemical tests, using Escherichia coli K-12 as the model microorganism, revealed the development of a faradaic process at the bacteria-microelectrode interface inside the microsystem, as implied by cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectrometry measurements. The electrochemical information was used to determine the moment in which bacteria colonized the electrode-enabled area of the microsystem. This microsystem shows potential advantages for long-term electrochemical monitoring of the extracellular environment of cell culture and has been designed using readily available technologies that can be easily integrated in routine protocols. Complementarily, these methods can help elucidate fundamental questions of the electron transfer of bacterial cultures and are potentially feasible to be integrated into current characterization techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cesar A Hernandez
- CMUA. Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Carrera 1E # 19A-40, Bogota 111711, Colombia.
| | - Valerio Beni
- Biosensors and Bioelectronics Centre, Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology (IFM), Linköping University, S-58183 Linköping, Sweden.
- Department of Printed Electronics, RISE Acreo, Research Institute of Sweden, 16440 Norrköping, Sweden.
| | - Johann F Osma
- CMUA. Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Carrera 1E # 19A-40, Bogota 111711, Colombia.
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17
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Pan Y, Zhu T, He Z. Energy advantage of anode electrode rotation over anolyte recirculation for operating a tubular microbial fuel cell. Electrochem commun 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.elecom.2019.106529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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18
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Riedl S, Brown RK, Alvarez Esquivel DY, Wichmann H, Huber KJ, Bunk B, Overmann J, Schröder U. Cultivating Electrochemically Active Biofilms at Continuously Changing Electrode Potentials. ChemElectroChem 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/celc.201900036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Riedl
- Institute of Environmental and Sustainable ChemistryTechnische Universität Braunschweig Hagenring 30 38106 Braunschweig Germany
| | - Robert K. Brown
- Institute of Environmental and Sustainable ChemistryTechnische Universität Braunschweig Hagenring 30 38106 Braunschweig Germany
| | - Diana Y. Alvarez Esquivel
- Institute of Environmental and Sustainable ChemistryTechnische Universität Braunschweig Hagenring 30 38106 Braunschweig Germany
| | - Hilke Wichmann
- Institute of Environmental and Sustainable ChemistryTechnische Universität Braunschweig Hagenring 30 38106 Braunschweig Germany
| | - Katharina J. Huber
- Leibniz Institute DSMZ German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures Inhoffenstraße 7B 38124 Braunschweig Germany
| | - Boyke Bunk
- Leibniz Institute DSMZ German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures Inhoffenstraße 7B 38124 Braunschweig Germany
| | - Jörg Overmann
- Leibniz Institute DSMZ German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures Inhoffenstraße 7B 38124 Braunschweig Germany
- Department of Life SciencesBraunschweig University of Technology Germany
| | - Uwe Schröder
- Institute of Environmental and Sustainable ChemistryTechnische Universität Braunschweig Hagenring 30 38106 Braunschweig Germany
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19
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Zhang X, Rabaey K, Prévoteau A. Reversible Effects of Periodic Polarization on Anodic Electroactive Biofilms. ChemElectroChem 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/celc.201900228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xu Zhang
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET)Ghent University Coupure Links 653 9000 Ghent Belgium
| | - Korneel Rabaey
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET)Ghent University Coupure Links 653 9000 Ghent Belgium
| | - Antonin Prévoteau
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET)Ghent University Coupure Links 653 9000 Ghent Belgium
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20
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Yang J, Cheng S, Li C, Sun Y, Huang H. Shear Stress Affects Biofilm Structure and Consequently Current Generation of Bioanode in Microbial Electrochemical Systems (MESs). Front Microbiol 2019; 10:398. [PMID: 30894842 PMCID: PMC6415583 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.00398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Shear stress is an important factor that affects the formation and structure of anode biofilms, which are strongly related to the extracellular electron transfer phenomena and bioelectric performance of bioanodes. Here, we show that using nitrogen sparging to induce shear stress during anode biofilm formation increases the linear sweep voltammetry peak current density of the mature anode biofilm from 2.37 ± 0.15 to 4.05 ± 0.25 A/m2. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy results revealed that the shear-stress-enriched anode biofilm had a low charge transfer resistance of 46.34 Ω compared to that of the unperturbed enriched anode biofilm (72.2 Ω). Confocal laser scanning microscopy observations showed that the shear-stress-enriched biofilms were entirely viable, whereas the unperturbed enriched anode biofilm consisted of a live outer layer covering a dead inner-core layer. Based on biomass and community analyses, the shear-stress-enriched biofilm had four times the biofilm density (136.0 vs. 27.50 μg DNA/cm3) and twice the relative abundance of Geobacteraceae (over 80 vs. 40%) in comparison with those of the unperturbed enriched anode biofilm. These results show that applying high shear stress during anode biofilm enrichment can result in an entirely viable and dense biofilm with a high relative abundance of exoelectrogens and, consequently, better performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Clean Energy, Department of Energy Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shaoan Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Clean Energy, Department of Energy Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chaochao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Clean Energy, Department of Energy Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yi Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Clean Energy, Department of Energy Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Haobin Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Clean Energy, Department of Energy Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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21
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Jones AAD, Buie CR. Continuous shear stress alters metabolism, mass-transport, and growth in electroactive biofilms independent of surface substrate transport. Sci Rep 2019; 9:2602. [PMID: 30796283 PMCID: PMC6385357 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-39267-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 12/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Electroactive bacteria such as Geobacter sulfurreducens and Shewanella onedensis produce electrical current during their respiration; this has been exploited in bioelectrochemical systems. These bacteria form thicker biofilms and stay more active than soluble-respiring bacteria biofilms because their electron acceptor is always accessible. In bioelectrochemical systems such as microbial fuel cells, corrosion-resistant metals uptake current from the bacteria, producing power. While beneficial for engineering applications, collecting current using corrosion resistant metals induces pH stress in the biofilm, unlike the naturally occurring process where a reduced metal combines with protons released during respiration. To reduce pH stress, some bioelectrochemical systems use forced convection to enhance mass transport of both nutrients and byproducts; however, biofilms’ small pore size limits convective transport, thus, reducing pH stress in these systems remains a challenge. Understanding how convection is necessary but not sufficient for maintaining biofilm health requires decoupling mass transport from momentum transport (i.e. fluidic shear stress). In this study we use a rotating disc electrode to emulate a practical bioelectrochemical system, while decoupling mass transport from shear stress. This is the first study to isolate the metabolic and structural changes in electroactive biofilms due to shear stress. We find that increased shear stress reduces biofilm development time while increasing its metabolic rate. Furthermore, we find biofilm health is negatively affected by higher metabolic rates over long-term growth due to the biofilm’s memory of the fluid flow conditions during the initial biofilm development phases. These results not only provide guidelines for improving performance of bioelectrochemical systems, but also reveal features of biofilm behavior. Results of this study suggest that optimized reactors may initiate operation at high shear to decrease development time before decreasing shear for steady-state operation. Furthermore, this biofilm memory discovered will help explain the presence of channels within biofilms observed in other studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- A-Andrew D Jones
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.,Department of Chemical Engineering and Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Cullen R Buie
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.
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22
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Cheng WL, Erbay C, Sadr R, Han A. Dynamic Flow Characteristics and Design Principles of Laminar Flow Microbial Fuel Cells. MICROMACHINES 2018; 9:mi9100479. [PMID: 30424412 PMCID: PMC6215165 DOI: 10.3390/mi9100479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2018] [Revised: 09/16/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Laminar flow microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are used to understand the role of microorganisms, and their interactions with electrodes in microbial bioelectrochemical systems. In this study, we reported the flow characteristics of laminar flow in a typical MFC configuration in a non-dimensional form, which can serve as a guideline in the design of such microfluidic systems. Computational fluid dynamics simulations were performed to examine the effects of channel geometries, surface characteristics, and fluid velocity on the mixing dynamics in microchannels with a rectangular cross-section. The results showed that decreasing the fluid velocity enhances mixing but changing the angle between the inlet channels, only had strong effects when the angle was larger than 135°. Furthermore, different mixing behaviors were observed depending on the angle of the channels, when the microchannel aspect ratio was reduced. Asymmetric growth of microbial biofilm on the anode side skewed the mixing zone and wall roughness due to the bacterial attachment, which accelerated the mixing process and reduced the efficiency of the laminar flow MFC. Finally, the magnitude of mass diffusivity had a substantial effect on mixing behavior. The results shown here provided both design guidelines, as well as better understandings of the MFCs due to microbial growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Way Lee Cheng
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Texas A&M University at Qatar, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Celal Erbay
- TUBITAK-Informatics and Information Security Research Center, Kocaeli 41470, Turkey.
| | - Reza Sadr
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
| | - Arum Han
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
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23
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Kokko M, Epple S, Gescher J, Kerzenmacher S. Effects of wastewater constituents and operational conditions on the composition and dynamics of anodic microbial communities in bioelectrochemical systems. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2018; 258:376-389. [PMID: 29548640 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2018.01.090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2017] [Revised: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/19/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Over the last decade, there has been an ever-growing interest in bioelectrochemical systems (BES) as a sustainable technology enabling simultaneous wastewater treatment and biological production of, e.g. electricity, hydrogen, and further commodities. A key component of any BES degrading organic matter is the anode where electric current is biologically generated from the oxidation of organic compounds. The performance of BES depends on the interactions of the anodic microbial communities. To optimize the operational parameters and process design of BES a better comprehension of the microbial community dynamics and interactions at the anode is required. This paper reviews the abundance of different microorganisms in anodic biofilms and discusses their roles and possible side reactions with respect to their implications on the performance of BES utilizing wastewaters. The most important operational parameters affecting anodic microbial communities grown with wastewaters are highlighted and guidelines for controlling the composition of microbial communities are given.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marika Kokko
- Laboratory for MEMS Applications, IMTEK - Department of Microsystems Engineering, University of Freiburg, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany; Laboratory of Chemistry and Bioengineering, Tampere University of Technology, Tampere, Finland
| | - Stefanie Epple
- Institute for Applied Biosciences, Department of Applied Biology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Fritz-Haber-Weg 2, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Johannes Gescher
- Institute for Applied Biosciences, Department of Applied Biology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Fritz-Haber-Weg 2, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Sven Kerzenmacher
- Laboratory for MEMS Applications, IMTEK - Department of Microsystems Engineering, University of Freiburg, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany; Center for Environmental Research and Sustainable Technology (UFT), University of Bremen, Leobener Strasse 6, 28359 Bremen, Germany.
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24
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Effect of Wall Boundary Layer Thickness on Power Performance of a Recirculation Microbial Fuel Cell. ENERGIES 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/en11041003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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25
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Wang YR, Gong L, Jiang JK, Chen ZG, Yu HQ, Mu Y. Response of anodic biofilm to hydrodynamic shear in two-chamber bioelectrochemical systems. Electrochim Acta 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2017.11.187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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26
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Abstract
Microbial electrochemistry has from the onset been recognized for its sensing potential due to the microbial ability to enhance signals through metabolic cascades, its relative selectivity toward substrates, and the higher stability conferred by the microbial ability to self-replicate. The greatest challenge has been to achieve stable and efficient transduction between a microorganism and an electrode surface. Over the past decades, a new kind of microbial architecture has been observed to spontaneously develop on polarized electrodes: the electroactive biofilm (EAB). The EAB conducts electrons over long distances and performs quasi-reversible electron transfer on conventional electrode surfaces. It also possesses self-regenerative properties. In only a few years, EABs have inspired considerable research interest for use as biosensors for environmental or bioprocess monitoring. Multiple challenges still need to be overcome before implementation at larger scale of this new kind of biosensors can be realized. This perspective first introduces the specific characteristics of the EAB with respect to other electrochemical biosensors. It summarizes the sensing applications currently proposed for EABs, stresses their limitations, and suggests strategies toward potential solutions. Conceptual prospects to engineer EABs for sensing purposes are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonin Prévoteau
- Center for Microbial Ecology
and Technology, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Korneel Rabaey
- Center for Microbial Ecology
and Technology, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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27
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Saratale GD, Saratale RG, Shahid MK, Zhen G, Kumar G, Shin HS, Choi YG, Kim SH. A comprehensive overview on electro-active biofilms, role of exo-electrogens and their microbial niches in microbial fuel cells (MFCs). CHEMOSPHERE 2017; 178:534-547. [PMID: 28351012 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.03.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2016] [Revised: 03/14/2017] [Accepted: 03/16/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are biocatalyzed systems which can drive electrical energy by directly converting chemical energy using microbial biocatalyst and are considered as one of the important propitious technologies for sustainable energy production. Much research on MFCs experiments is under way with great potential to become an alternative to produce clean energy from renewable waste. MFCs have been one of the most promising technologies for generating clean energy industry in the future. This article summarizes the important findings in electro-active biofilm formation and the role of exo-electrogens in electron transfer in MFCs. This study provides and brings special attention on the effects of various operating and biological parameters on the biofilm formation in MFCs. In addition, it also highlights the significance of different molecular techniques used in the microbial community analysis of electro-active biofilm. It reviews the challenges as well as the emerging opportunities required to develop MFCs at commercial level, electro-active biofilms and to understand potential application of microbiological niches are also depicted. Thus, this review is believed to widen the efforts towards the development of electro-active biofilm and will provide the research directions to overcome energy and environmental challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ganesh Dattatraya Saratale
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Dongguk University-Seoul, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, 10326, Republic of Korea
| | - Rijuta Ganesh Saratale
- Research Institute of Biotechnology and Medical Converged Science, Dongguk University-Seoul, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, 10326, Republic of Korea
| | | | - 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
| | - 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, Vietnam.
| | - Han-Seung Shin
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Dongguk University-Seoul, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, 10326, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Gyun Choi
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Daegu university, Gyeongsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Hyoun Kim
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Daegu university, Gyeongsan, Republic of Korea
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29
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Teleken JT, Silva JDS, Fraga MF, Ogrodowski CS, Santana FB, Carciofi BAM. MATHEMATICAL MODELING OF THE ELECTRIC CURRENT GENERATION IN A MICROBIAL FUEL CELL INOCULATED WITH MARINE SEDIMENT. BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING 2017. [DOI: 10.1590/0104-6632.20170341s20150377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - M. F. Fraga
- State Power Generation and Transmission Company, Brazil
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30
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Pannell TC, Goud RK, Schell DJ, Borole AP. Effect of fed-batch vs. continuous mode of operation on microbial fuel cell performance treating biorefinery wastewater. Biochem Eng J 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bej.2016.04.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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31
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Koch C, Harnisch F. What Is the Essence of Microbial Electroactivity? Front Microbiol 2016; 7:1890. [PMID: 27933052 PMCID: PMC5122576 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.01890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2016] [Accepted: 11/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Christin Koch
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, UFZ-Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research Leipzig, Germany
| | - Falk Harnisch
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, UFZ-Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research Leipzig, Germany
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32
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Paitier A, Godain A, Lyon D, Haddour N, Vogel TM, Monier JM. Microbial fuel cell anodic microbial population dynamics during MFC start-up. Biosens Bioelectron 2016; 92:357-363. [PMID: 27836597 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2016.10.096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2016] [Revised: 10/19/2016] [Accepted: 10/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In order to optimize energy production in MFCs, a better understanding of anodic communities is essential. Our objective was to determine the taxonomic structure of the bacterial communities present at the surface of the anode during the formation and development of electro-active biofilms in MFCs inoculated with fresh primary clarifier overflow. Quantitative microbial community dynamics were evaluated as a function of time and electrical performance using 16S rRNA gene-based phylogenetic microarrays and flow cytometry. Results show that the bacterial community stabilized partially but not completely when voltage output was stable. Geobacter appeared to be the predominant genus, whose growth was associated with voltage, while some other genus still developed or declined after the voltage stabilization. Flow cytometry revealed that some genus showing a decreasing proportional fluorescence intensity over time were still actively respiring bacteria, and thus, active albeit minor members of the biofilm. Finally, this study shows that anodic biofilm selection and maturation is still occurring after more than 20 days of operation and over ten days after voltage is stabilized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agathe Paitier
- Environmental Microbial Genomics, Laboratoire Ampère, École Centrale de Lyon, CNRS UMR 5005, Université de Lyon, 36 Avenue Guy de Collongue, 69134 Écully, France
| | - Alexiane Godain
- Environmental Microbial Genomics, Laboratoire Ampère, École Centrale de Lyon, CNRS UMR 5005, Université de Lyon, 36 Avenue Guy de Collongue, 69134 Écully, France
| | - Delina Lyon
- Environmental Microbial Genomics, Laboratoire Ampère, École Centrale de Lyon, CNRS UMR 5005, Université de Lyon, 36 Avenue Guy de Collongue, 69134 Écully, France
| | - Naoufel Haddour
- Environmental Microbial Genomics, Laboratoire Ampère, École Centrale de Lyon, CNRS UMR 5005, Université de Lyon, 36 Avenue Guy de Collongue, 69134 Écully, France
| | - Timothy M Vogel
- Environmental Microbial Genomics, Laboratoire Ampère, École Centrale de Lyon, CNRS UMR 5005, Université de Lyon, 36 Avenue Guy de Collongue, 69134 Écully, France.
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33
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Shen L, Ma J, Song P, Lu Z, Yin Y, Liu Y, Cai L, Zhang L. Anodic concentration loss and impedance characteristics in rotating disk electrode microbial fuel cells. Bioprocess Biosyst Eng 2016; 39:1627-34. [DOI: 10.1007/s00449-016-1638-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2016] [Accepted: 06/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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34
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Tran P, Nguyen L, Nguyen H, Nguyen B, Nong L, Mai L, Tran H, Nguyen T, Pham H. Effects of inoculation sources on the enrichment and performance of anode bacterial consortia in sensor typed microbial fuel cells. AIMS BIOENGINEERING 2016. [DOI: 10.3934/bioeng.2016.1.60] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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35
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Venkidusamy K, Megharaj M, Marzorati M, Lockington R, Naidu R. Enhanced removal of petroleum hydrocarbons using a bioelectrochemical remediation system with pre-cultured anodes. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 539:61-69. [PMID: 26360455 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.08.098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2015] [Revised: 08/02/2015] [Accepted: 08/16/2015] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Bioelectrochemical remediation (BER) systems such as microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have recently emerged as a green technology for the effective remediation of petroleum hydrocarbon contaminants (PH) coupled with simultaneous energy recovery. Recent research has shown that biofilms previously enriched for substrate degrading bacteria resulted in excellent performance in terms of substrate removal and electricity generation but the effects on hydrocarbon contaminant degradation were not examined. Here we investigate the differences between enriched biofilm anodes and freshly inoculated new anodes in diesel fed single chamber mediatorless microbial fuel cells (DMFC) using various techniques for the enhancement of PH contaminant remediation with concomitant electricity generation. An anodophilic microbial consortium previously selected for over a year through continuous culturing with a diesel concentration of about 800mgl(-1) and which now showed complete removal of this concentration of diesel within 30days was compared to that of a freshly inoculated new anode MFC (showing 83.4% removal of diesel) with a simultaneous power generation of 90.81mW/m(2) and 15.04mW/m(2) respectively. The behaviour of pre-cultured anodes at a higher concentration of PH (8000mgl(-1)) was also investigated. Scanning electron microscopy observation revealed a thick biofilm covering the pre-cultured anodic electrode but not the anode from the freshly inoculated MFC. High resolution imaging showed the presence of thin 60nm diametre pilus-like projections emanating from the cells. Anodic microbial community profiling confirmed that the selection for diesel degrading exoelectrogenic bacteria had occurred. Identification of a biodegradative gene (alkB) provided strong evidence of the catabolic pathway used for diesel degradation in the DMFCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishnaveni Venkidusamy
- Centre for Environmental Risk Assessment and Remediation (CERAR), University of South, Australia; CRC for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRCCARE), Mawson Lakes, SA5095, Australia
| | - Mallavarapu Megharaj
- Centre for Environmental Risk Assessment and Remediation (CERAR), University of South, Australia; CRC for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRCCARE), Mawson Lakes, SA5095, Australia; Global Centre for Environmental Remediation, Faculty of Science and Information Technology, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
| | - Massimo Marzorati
- Laboratory for Microbial Ecology and Technology (LabMET), Gent University, 9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - Robin Lockington
- Centre for Environmental Risk Assessment and Remediation (CERAR), University of South, Australia; CRC for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRCCARE), Mawson Lakes, SA5095, Australia
| | - Ravi Naidu
- Centre for Environmental Risk Assessment and Remediation (CERAR), University of South, Australia; CRC for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRCCARE), Mawson Lakes, SA5095, Australia; Global Centre for Environmental Remediation, Faculty of Science and Information Technology, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
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36
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Effect of operating and design parameters on the performance of a microbial fuel cell with Lactobacillus pentosus. Biochem Eng J 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bej.2015.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Korth B, Rosa LF, Harnisch F, Picioreanu C. A framework for modeling electroactive microbial biofilms performing direct electron transfer. Bioelectrochemistry 2015; 106:194-206. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2015.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2014] [Revised: 03/24/2015] [Accepted: 03/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Kim B, An J, Fapyane D, Chang IS. Bioelectronic platforms for optimal bio-anode of bio-electrochemical systems: From nano- to macro scopes. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2015; 195:2-13. [PMID: 26122091 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2015.06.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2015] [Revised: 06/12/2015] [Accepted: 06/13/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The current trend of bio-electrochemical systems is to improve strategies related to their applicability and potential for scaling-up. To date, literature has suggested strategies, but the proposal of correlations between each research field remains insufficient. This review paper provides a correlation based on platform techniques, referred to as bio-electronics platforms (BEPs). These BEPs consist of three platforms divided by scope scale: nano-, micro-, and macro-BEPs. In the nano-BEP, several types of electron transfer mechanisms used by electrochemically active bacteria are discussed. In the micro-BEP, factors affecting the formation of conductive biofilms and transport of electrons in the conductive biofilm are investigated. In the macro-BEP, electrodes and separators in bio-anode are debated in terms of real applications, and a scale-up strategy is discussed. Overall, the challenges of each BEP are highlighted, and potential solutions are suggested. In addition, future research directions are provided and research ideas proposed to develop research interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bongkyu Kim
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Republic of Korea
| | - Junyeong An
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Republic of Korea
| | - Deby Fapyane
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Republic of Korea; Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center, Aarhus University, Denmark
| | - In Seop Chang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Republic of Korea.
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39
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Doyle LE, Marsili E. Methods for enrichment of novel electrochemically-active microorganisms. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2015; 195:273-282. [PMID: 26189782 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2015.07.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2015] [Revised: 07/02/2015] [Accepted: 07/03/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Electrochemically-active microorganisms (EAM) are relevant to metal biogeochemistry and have applications in microbial fuel cells (MFCs), bioremediation, and bioelectrocatalysis. Most research conducted to date focuses on EAM hailing from two distinct genera, namely Shewanella and Geobacter, with a relatively limited number of EAM discovered in recent years. This review article summarises current approaches to novel EAM enrichment, in terms of inoculum choice, growth medium, reactor configuration, electrochemical characterisation and community profiling through metagenomics and metatranscriptomics. A novel roadmap for EAM enrichment and subsequent characterisation using environmental samples as a starting material is provided in order to increase throughput and hence the likelihood of discovering novel EAM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucinda Elizabeth Doyle
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE), Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, SBS-01N-27, Singapore 637551, Singapore; Interdisciplinary Graduate School, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Enrico Marsili
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE), Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, SBS-01N-27, Singapore 637551, Singapore; School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Collins Avenue, Dublin, Ireland.
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40
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Vigolo D, Al-Housseiny TT, Shen Y, Akinlawon FO, Al-Housseiny ST, Hobson RK, Sahu A, Bedkowski KI, DiChristina TJ, Stone HA. Flow dependent performance of microfluidic microbial fuel cells. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2015; 16:12535-43. [PMID: 24832908 DOI: 10.1039/c4cp01086h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The integration of Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) in a microfluidic geometry can significantly enhance the power density of these cells, which would have more active bacteria per unit volume. Moreover, microfluidic MFCs can be operated in a continuous mode as opposed to the traditional batch-fed mode. Here we investigate the effect of fluid flow on the performance of microfluidic MFCs. The growth and the structure of the bacterial biofilm depend to a large extent on the shear stress of the flow. We report the existence of a range of flow rates for which MFCs can achieve maximum voltage output. When operated under these optimal conditions, the power density of our microfluidic MFC is about 15 times that of a similar-size batch MFC. Furthermore, this optimum suggests a correlation between the behaviour of bacteria and fluid flow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Vigolo
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA.
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41
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Nguyen TT, Luong TTT, Tran PHN, Bui HTV, Nguyen HQ, Dinh HT, Kim BH, Pham HT. A lithotrophic microbial fuel cell operated with pseudomonads-dominated iron-oxidizing bacteria enriched at the anode. Microb Biotechnol 2015; 8:579-89. [PMID: 25712332 PMCID: PMC4408190 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.12267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2014] [Revised: 12/16/2014] [Accepted: 01/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we attempted to enrich neutrophilic iron bacteria in a microbial fuel cell (MFC)-type reactor in order to develop a lithotrophic MFC system that can utilize ferrous iron as an inorganic electron donor and operate at neutral pHs. Electrical currents were steadily generated at an average level of 0.6 mA (or 0.024 mA cm–2 of membrane area) in reactors initially inoculated with microbial sources and operated with 20 mM Fe2+ as the sole electron donor and 10 ohm external resistance; whereas in an uninoculated reactor (the control), the average current level only reached 0.2 mA (or 0.008 mA cm–2 of membrane area). In an inoculated MFC, the generation of electrical currents was correlated with increases in cell density of bacteria in the anode suspension and coupled with the oxidation of ferrous iron. Cultivation-based and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis analyses both show the dominance of some Pseudomonas species in the anode communities of the MFCs. Fluorescent in-situ hybridization results revealed significant increases of neutrophilic iron-oxidizing bacteria in the anode community of an inoculated MFC. The results, altogether, prove the successful development of a lithotrophic MFC system with iron bacteria enriched at its anode and suggest a chemolithotrophic anode reaction involving some Pseudomonas species as key players in such a system. The system potentially offers unique applications, such as accelerated bioremediation or on-site biodetection of iron and/or manganese in water samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thuy Thu Nguyen
- Research group for Physiology and Applications of Microorganisms (PHAM group) at Center for Life Science Research, Vietnam National University - University of Science, Nguyen Trai 334, Thanh Xuan, Hanoi, Vietnam
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42
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Vilà-Rovira A, Puig S, Balaguer MD, Colprim J. Anode hydrodynamics in bioelectrochemical systems. RSC Adv 2015. [DOI: 10.1039/c5ra11995b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
This study assesses the hydrodynamics in the anode compartment of a bioelectrochemical system (BES) when using different electrode materials (graphite rod, granular graphite, stainless steel mesh or graphite plate).
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Vilà-Rovira
- LEQUiA
- Institute of the Environment
- University of Girona
- E-17071 Girona
- Spain
| | - Sebastià Puig
- LEQUiA
- Institute of the Environment
- University of Girona
- E-17071 Girona
- Spain
| | - M. Dolors Balaguer
- LEQUiA
- Institute of the Environment
- University of Girona
- E-17071 Girona
- Spain
| | - Jesús Colprim
- LEQUiA
- Institute of the Environment
- University of Girona
- E-17071 Girona
- Spain
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43
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Aracic S, Semenec L, Franks AE. Investigating microbial activities of electrode-associated microorganisms in real-time. Front Microbiol 2014; 5:663. [PMID: 25506343 PMCID: PMC4246885 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2014.00663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2014] [Accepted: 11/15/2014] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Electrode-associated microbial biofilms are essential to the function of bioelectrochemical systems (BESs). These systems exist in a number of different configurations but all rely on electroactive microorganisms utilizing an electrode as either an electron acceptor or an electron donor to catalyze biological processes. Investigations of the structure and function of electrode-associated biofilms are critical to further the understanding of how microbial communities are able to reduce and oxidize electrodes. The community structure of electrode-reducing biofilms is diverse and often dominated by Geobacter spp. whereas electrode-oxidizing biofilms are often dominated by other microorganisms. The application of a wide range of tools, such as high-throughput sequencing and metagenomic data analyses, provide insight into the structure and possible function of microbial communities on electrode surfaces. However, the development and application of techniques that monitor gene expression profiles in real-time are required for a more definite spatial and temporal understanding of the diversity and biological activities of these dynamic communities. This mini review summarizes the key gene expression techniques used in BESs research, which have led to a better understanding of population dynamics, cell–cell communication and molecule-surface interactions in mixed and pure BES communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanja Aracic
- Applied and Environmental Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, La Trobe University , Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Lucie Semenec
- Applied and Environmental Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, La Trobe University , Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Ashley E Franks
- Applied and Environmental Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, La Trobe University , Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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44
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Ichihashi O, Vishnivetskaya TA, Borole AP. High-Performance Bioanode Development for Fermentable Substrates via Controlled Electroactive Biofilm Growth. ChemElectroChem 2014. [DOI: 10.1002/celc.201402206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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Babauta JT, Beasley CA, Beyenal H. Investigation of Electron Transfer by Geobacter sulfurreducens Biofilms by using an Electrochemical Quartz Crystal Microbalance. ChemElectroChem 2014; 1:2007-2016. [PMID: 27525205 PMCID: PMC4964883 DOI: 10.1002/celc.201402127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2014] [Revised: 06/17/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Both the short- and long-term electron-transfer processes of electrode-respiring Geobacter sulfurreducens biofilms are demonstrated by using an electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (QCM). The QCM monitors the frequency shift from the initial resonant frequency (background) in real time, while the current increases, because of biofilm growth. In the short term, the frequency shift is linear with respect to current for the biofilm. In long-term biofilm growth up to the exponential phase, a second linear region of frequency shift with respect to current is observed. In addition to the frequency shift response at constant polarization, the frequency shift response is coupled to cyclic voltammetry experiments. During cyclic voltammetry, a reproducible, negative increase in frequency shift is observed at oxidizing potentials. The results suggest that a QCM can be used in applications in which it is useful to find the most efficient current producer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerome T Babauta
- The Gene and Linda Voiland School of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering PO Box 646515, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-6515 (USA) E-mail:
| | | | - Haluk Beyenal
- The Gene and Linda Voiland School of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering PO Box 646515, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-6515 (USA) E-mail:
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46
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Michie IS, Kim JR, Dinsdale RM, Guwy AJ, Premier GC. The influence of anodic helical design on fluid flow and bioelectrochemical performance. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2014; 165:13-20. [PMID: 24726135 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2014.03.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2014] [Revised: 03/12/2014] [Accepted: 03/15/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
In this study three different tubular helical anode designs are compared, for each helical design the pitch and nominal sectional area/liquid flow channel between the helicoids was varied and this produced maximum power densities of 11.63, 9.2 and 6.73Wm(-3) (small, medium and large helical flow channel cross-sections). It is found that the level of mixing and the associated shear rates present in the anodes affects both the power development and biofilm formation. The small helical flow channel carbon anode produced 40% more biofilm and this result was related to modelling data which determined a system shear rate of 237s(-1), compared to 52s(-1) and 47s(-1) for the other reactor configurations. The results from computational fluid dynamic modelling further distinguishes between convective flow conditions and supports the influence of helical structure on system performance, so establishing the importance of anodic design on the overall electrogenic biofilm activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iain S Michie
- Sustainable Environment Research Centre (SERC), Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science, University of South Wales, Pontypridd, Mid-Glamorgan CF37 1DL, UK.
| | - Jung Rae Kim
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Pusan National University (PNU), Republic of Korea
| | - Richard M Dinsdale
- Sustainable Environment Research Centre (SERC), Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science, University of South Wales, Pontypridd, Mid-Glamorgan CF37 1DL, UK
| | - Alan J Guwy
- Sustainable Environment Research Centre (SERC), Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science, University of South Wales, Pontypridd, Mid-Glamorgan CF37 1DL, UK
| | - Giuliano C Premier
- Sustainable Environment Research Centre (SERC), Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science, University of South Wales, Pontypridd, Mid-Glamorgan CF37 1DL, UK
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47
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Boghani HC, Kim JR, Dinsdale RM, Guwy AJ, Premier GC. Control of power sourced from a microbial fuel cell reduces its start-up time and increases bioelectrochemical activity. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2013; 140:277-285. [PMID: 23708786 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2013.04.087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2013] [Revised: 04/21/2013] [Accepted: 04/23/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Microbial fuel cell (MFC) performance depends on the selective development of an electrogenic biofilm at an electrode. Controlled biofilm enrichment may reduce start-up time and improve subsequent power performance. The anode potential is known to affect start-up and subsequent performance in electrogenic bio-catalytic consortia. Control strategies varying electrical load through gradient based maximum power point tracking (MPPT) and transient poised anode potential followed by MPPT are compared to static ohmic loading. Three replicate H-type MFCs were used to investigate start-up strategies: (1) application of an MPPT algorithm preceded by poised-potential at the anode (+0.645 V vs Ag/AgCl); (2) MFC connected to MPPT-only; (3) static external load of 1 kΩ and 500 Ω. Active control showed a significant reduction in start-up time from 42 to 22 days, along with 3.5-fold increase in biocatalytic activity after start-up. Such active control may improve applicability by accelerating start-up and enhancing MFC power and bio-catalytic performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hitesh C Boghani
- Sustainable Environment Research Centre (SERC), Faculty of Advanced Technology, University of Glamorgan, Pontypridd, Mid-Glamorgan CF37 1DL, UK.
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48
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Shen Y, Wang M, Chang IS, Ng HY. Effect of shear rate on the response of microbial fuel cell toxicity sensor to Cu(II). BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2013; 136:707-710. [PMID: 23558184 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2013.02.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2012] [Revised: 02/19/2013] [Accepted: 02/20/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
A microbial fuel cell (MFC) was successfully developed as a toxicity biomonitoring system, giving a quick response to Cu(II) toxic events. The objective was to increase MFC sensitivity to Cu(II) toxicity by evaluating the impact of shear rate caused by mixing and intermittent nitrogen sparging on the biofilm structure. Low shear rate - achieved by continuously feeding the wastewater into the MFC at a low flow rate of 1.3 mL min(-1) during the enrichment period - resulted in low biomass density (124 g VSS L(-1) of biofilm), high porosity and reduced levels of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). Consequently, the sensitivity was improved. Scattered nitrogen sparging also increased the sensitivity by reducing the EPS level. It suggested that MFC enriched under low flow rate with intermittent nitrogen sparging could produce an anodic biofilm that was less dense, more porous, contained less EPS and ultimately displayed higher sensitivity to Cu(II) toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujia Shen
- Centre for Water Research, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore, 1 Engineering Dr. 2, Singapore 117576, Singapore
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49
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Zhang F, Ge Z, Grimaud J, Hurst J, He Z. Improving electricity production in tubular microbial fuel cells through optimizing the anolyte flow with spiral spacers. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2013; 134:251-256. [PMID: 23500582 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2013.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2012] [Revised: 01/30/2013] [Accepted: 02/01/2013] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The use of spiral spacers to create a helical flow for improving electricity generation in microbial fuel cells (MFCs) was investigated in both laboratory and on-site tests. The lab tests found that the MFC with the spiral spacers produced more electricity than the one without the spiral spacers at different recirculation rates or organic loading rates, likely due to the improved transport/distribution of ions and electron mediators instead of the substrates because the organic removal efficiency was not obviously affected by the presence of the spiral spacers. The energy production in the MFC with the spiral spacers reached 0.071 or 0.073 kWh/kg COD in either vertical or horizontal installment. The examination of the MFCs installed in an aeration tank of a municipal wastewater treatment plant confirmed the advantage of using the spiral spacers. Those results demonstrate that spiral spacers could be an effective approach to improve energy production in MFCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Zhang
- Department of Civil Engineering and Mechanics, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI 53211, United States
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