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Bhaduri S, Behera M. From single-chamber to multi-anodic microbial fuel cells: A review. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 355:120465. [PMID: 38447510 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.120465] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) present a promising solution for wastewater treatment with the added benefits of energy generation, less sludge production and less energy consumption. MFCs have demonstrated high efficiency in the degradation of diverse types of wastewater. Nevertheless, the relatively low power density exhibited by MFCs has imposed certain restrictions on their widespread implementation. Consequently, the need for modification of MFC technology led to the development of stack and multi-chambered MFCs. The modified variations exhibit enhanced scalability and demonstrate greater reliability in terms of power output compared to traditional MFCs. In the present review article, different components of MFCs such as anode, cathode, microbial community and membrane have been reviewed and the advancement in design for better scalability of MFCs has been addressed, emphasizing the benefits associated with stacked and multi-anodic MFCs for enhanced performance. Finally, an update of previous large-scale MFC system applications is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soumyadeep Bhaduri
- School of Infrastructure, Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar, Odisha-752050, India
| | - Manaswini Behera
- School of Infrastructure, Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar, Odisha-752050, India.
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2
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Ahmad A, Senaidi AS, Reddy SS. Electrochemical process for petroleum refinery wastewater treatment to produce power and hydrogen using microbial electrolysis cell. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCE & ENGINEERING 2023; 21:485-496. [PMID: 37869594 PMCID: PMC10584772 DOI: 10.1007/s40201-023-00874-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
This research aims to assess the microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) fed with petroleum refinery wastewater (PRW) to produce power density and bio-electrochemical hydrogen. The MEC produces a maximum bio-electricity of 21.4 mA and a power density of 1200123.90 W/m2 with a loading of chemical oxygen demand (COD) of 17000 mg/L. Due to catalyzed oxidation of complex compounds in PRW with a maintained microbial biofilm growth was observed after 90 d of operation of MEC. Results showed that the oxidation of organic substances in PRW enhanced the size in the growth of microbial film which further increased the generation of electrons leading to current density of 5890 mA/m2. The COD removal efficiency of MEC was found to be 89.9%. The bio-electricity and hydrogen production of the MEC was estimated to be 24.5 mA and 19.2 L respectively when loaded with PRW having a COD of 17500 mg/L after 130 d. Present experiments demonstrate the efficiency of MEC technology efficiency in treating petroleum wastewater with the help of microbial biofilm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anwar Ahmad
- Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, College of Engineering and Architecture, University of Nizwa, PO 33, Nizwa City, 616 Oman
| | - Alaya Said Senaidi
- Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, College of Engineering and Architecture, University of Nizwa, PO 33, Nizwa City, 616 Oman
| | - Sajjala Sreedhar Reddy
- Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, College of Engineering and Architecture, University of Nizwa, PO 33, Nizwa City, 616 Oman
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3
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Massaglia G, Spisni G, Pirri CF, Quaglio M. Microbial Fuel Cells as Effective Tools for Energy Recovery and Antibiotic Detection in Water and Food. MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:2137. [PMID: 38138306 PMCID: PMC10745599 DOI: 10.3390/mi14122137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
This work demonstrates that microbial fuel cells (MFCs), optimized for energy recovery, can be used as an effective tool to detect antibiotics in water-based environments. In MFCs, electroactive biofilms function as biocatalysts by converting the chemical energy of organic matter, which serves as the fuel, into electrical energy. The efficiency of the conversion process can be significantly affected by the presence of contaminants that act as toxicants to the biofilm. The present work demonstrates that MFCs can successfully detect antibiotic residues in water and water-based electrolytes containing complex carbon sources that may be associated with the food industry. Specifically, honey was selected as a model fuel to test the effectiveness of MFCs in detecting antibiotic contamination, and tetracycline was used as a reference antibiotic within this study. The results show that MFCs not only efficiently detect the presence of tetracycline in both acetate and honey-based electrolytes but also recover the same performance after each exposure cycle, proving to be a very robust and reliable technology for both biosensing and energy recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Massaglia
- Department of Applied Science and Technology (DISAT), Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy; (G.S.); (C.F.P.)
- Center for Sustainable Future Technologies@Polito, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Environment Park, Building B2 Via Livorno 60, 10144 Torino, Italy
| | - Giacomo Spisni
- Department of Applied Science and Technology (DISAT), Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy; (G.S.); (C.F.P.)
- Center for Sustainable Future Technologies@Polito, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Environment Park, Building B2 Via Livorno 60, 10144 Torino, Italy
| | - Candido F. Pirri
- Department of Applied Science and Technology (DISAT), Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy; (G.S.); (C.F.P.)
- Center for Sustainable Future Technologies@Polito, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Environment Park, Building B2 Via Livorno 60, 10144 Torino, Italy
| | - Marzia Quaglio
- Department of Applied Science and Technology (DISAT), Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy; (G.S.); (C.F.P.)
- Center for Sustainable Future Technologies@Polito, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Environment Park, Building B2 Via Livorno 60, 10144 Torino, Italy
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4
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Klein EM, Knoll MT, Gescher J. Microbe-Anode Interactions: Comparing the impact of genetic and material engineering approaches to improve the performance of microbial electrochemical systems (MES). Microb Biotechnol 2023; 16:1179-1202. [PMID: 36808480 PMCID: PMC10221544 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.14236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Microbial electrochemical systems (MESs) are a highly versatile platform technology with a particular focus on power or energy production. Often, they are used in combination with substrate conversion (e.g., wastewater treatment) and production of value-added compounds via electrode-assisted fermentation. This rapidly evolving field has seen great improvements both technically and biologically, but this interdisciplinarity sometimes hampers overseeing strategies to increase process efficiency. In this review, we first briefly summarize the terminology of the technology and outline the biological background that is essential for understanding and thus improving MES technology. Thereafter, recent research on improvements at the biofilm-electrode interface will be summarized and discussed, distinguishing between biotic and abiotic approaches. The two approaches are then compared, and resulting future directions are discussed. This mini-review therefore provides basic knowledge of MES technology and the underlying microbiology in general and reviews recent improvements at the bacteria-electrode interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edina M. Klein
- Institute of Technical MicrobiologyUniversity of Technology HamburgHamburgGermany
| | - Melanie T. Knoll
- Institute of Technical MicrobiologyUniversity of Technology HamburgHamburgGermany
| | - Johannes Gescher
- Institute of Technical MicrobiologyUniversity of Technology HamburgHamburgGermany
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5
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Li D, Sun Y, Shi Y, Wang Z, Okeke S, Yang L, Zhang W, Xiao L. Structure evolution of air cathodes and their application in electrochemical sensor development and wastewater treatment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 869:161689. [PMID: 36682546 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Cathode structure and material are the most important factors to determine the performance and cost of single chamber air-cathode microbial fuel cell (MFC), which is the most promising type of MFC technology. Since the first air cathode was invented in 2004, five major structures (1-layer, 2-layer, 3-layer, 4-layer and separator-support) have been invented and modified to fit new material, improve power performance and lower MFC cost. This paper reviewed the structure evolution of air cathodes in past 18 years. The benefits and drawbacks of these structures, in terms of power generation, material cost, fabrication procedure and modification process are analyzed. The practical application cases (e.g., sensor development and wastewater treatment) employed with different cathode structures were also summarized and analyzed. Based on practical performance and long-term cost analysis, the 2-layer cathode demonstrated much greater potential over other structures. Compared with traditional activated-sludge technology, the cost of an MFC-based system is becoming competitive when employing with 2-layer structure. This review not only provides a detailed development history of air cathode but also reveals the advantages/disadvantages of air cathode with different structures, which will promote the research and application of air-cathode MFC technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dunzhu Li
- Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Yifan Sun
- Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Yunhong Shi
- Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Zeena Wang
- Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Saviour Okeke
- Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Luming Yang
- Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Wen Zhang
- Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Liwen Xiao
- Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland.
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6
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Mehrpooya M, Ganjali MR, Mousavi SA, Hedayat N, Allahyarzadeh A. Comprehensive Review of Fuel-Cell-Type Sensors for Gas Detection. Ind Eng Chem Res 2023. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.iecr.2c03790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Mehrpooya
- Department of Renewable Energies and Environment, Faculty of New Sciences and Technologies, University of Tehran, Tehran1439957131, Iran
- Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Laboratory, Faculty of New Sciences and Technologies, University of Tehran, Tehran1439957131, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Ganjali
- Center of Excellence in Electrochemistry, School of Chemistry, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran1417614411, Iran
- National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran1439957131, Iran
| | - Seyed Ali Mousavi
- Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Laboratory, Faculty of New Sciences and Technologies, University of Tehran, Tehran1439957131, Iran
| | - Nader Hedayat
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio44325, United States
| | - Ali Allahyarzadeh
- Department of Renewable Energies and Environment, Faculty of New Sciences and Technologies, University of Tehran, Tehran1439957131, Iran
- Mechanical Engineering, Polytechnic School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo68503, Brazil
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7
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Wang Z, Li D, Shi Y, Sun Y, Okeke SI, Yang L, Zhang W, Zhang Z, Shi Y, Xiao L. Recent Implementations of Hydrogel-Based Microbial Electrochemical Technologies (METs) in Sensing Applications. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:641. [PMID: 36679438 PMCID: PMC9866333 DOI: 10.3390/s23020641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Hydrogel materials have been used extensively in microbial electrochemical technology (MET) and sensor development due to their high biocompatibility and low toxicity. With an increasing demand for sensors across different sectors, it is crucial to understand the current state within the sectors of hydrogel METs and sensors. Surprisingly, a systematic review examining the application of hydrogel-based METs to sensor technologies has not yet been conducted. This review aimed to identify the current research progress surrounding the incorporation of hydrogels within METs and sensors development, with a specific focus on microbial fuel cells (MFCs) and microbial electrolysis cells (MECs). The manufacturing process/cost, operational performance, analysis accuracy and stability of typical hydrogel materials in METs and sensors were summarised and analysed. The current challenges facing the technology as well as potential direction for future research were also discussed. This review will substantially promote the understanding of hydrogel materials used in METs and benefit the development of electrochemical biosensors using hydrogel-based METs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeena Wang
- Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, D02 PN40 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Dunzhu Li
- Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, D02 PN40 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Yunhong Shi
- Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, D02 PN40 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Yifan Sun
- Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, D02 PN40 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Saviour I. Okeke
- Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, D02 PN40 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Luming Yang
- Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, D02 PN40 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Wen Zhang
- Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, D02 PN40 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Zihan Zhang
- Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, D02 PN40 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Yanqi Shi
- Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, D02 PN40 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Liwen Xiao
- Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, D02 PN40 Dublin, Ireland
- TrinityHaus, Trinity College Dublin, D02 PN40 Dublin, Ireland
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8
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Al‐Asheh S, Bagheri M, Aidan A. Removal of heavy metals from industrial wastewater using microbial fuel cell. Eng Life Sci 2022; 22:535-549. [PMID: 35936070 PMCID: PMC9349137 DOI: 10.1002/elsc.202200009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Removal efficiency of gold from a solution of pure tetrachloroaurate ions was investigated using microbial fuel cell (MFC) technology. The effects of type of catholyte solution and initial gold concentration on the removal efficiency were considered. Due to its presence at high levels in the gold wastewater, the effect of copper ions on the removal efficiency of the gold ions was also studied. The effects of pH and initial biomass concentration on the gold removal efficiency was also determined. The results showed that after 5 h contact time, 95% of gold removal efficiency from a wastewater containing 250 ppm of initial gold ions at ambient temperature using 80 g/L yeast concentration was achieved. After 48 h of the cell's operation under the same condition, 98.86% of AuCl4– ions were successfully removed from the solution. At initial gold concentration in the waste solution of 250 ppm, pH 2, and initial yeast concentration of 80 g/L, 100% removal efficiency of the gold was achieved. On the other hand, the most suitable condition for copper removal was found at a pH of 5.2, where 53% removal efficiency from the waste solution was accomplished.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sameer Al‐Asheh
- Department of Chemical Engineering American University of Sharjah Sharjah UAE
| | - Marzieh Bagheri
- Department of Chemical Engineering American University of Sharjah Sharjah UAE
| | - Ahmad Aidan
- Department of Chemical Engineering American University of Sharjah Sharjah UAE
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9
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Optimization of polyvinyl alcohol binder on PANI coated pencil graphite electrode in doubled chamber microbial fuel cell for glucose biosensor. SENSING AND BIO-SENSING RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sbsr.2022.100484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
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10
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A Short Overview of Biological Fuel Cells. MEMBRANES 2022; 12:membranes12040427. [PMID: 35448397 PMCID: PMC9031071 DOI: 10.3390/membranes12040427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
This short review summarizes the improvements on biological fuel cells (BioFCs) with or without ionomer separation membrane. After a general introduction about the main challenges of modern energy management, BioFCs are presented including microbial fuel cells (MFCs) and enzymatic fuel cells (EFCs). The benefits of BioFCs include the capability to derive energy from waste-water and organic matter, the possibility to use bacteria or enzymes to replace expensive catalysts such as platinum, the high selectivity of the electrode reactions that allow working with less complicated systems, without the need for high purification, and the lower environmental impact. In comparison with classical FCs and given their lower electrochemical performances, BioFCs have, up to now, only found niche applications with low power needs, but they could become a green solution in the perspective of sustainable development and the circular economy. Ion exchange membranes for utilization in BioFCs are discussed in the final section of the review: they include perfluorinated proton exchange membranes but also aromatic polymers grafted with proton or anion exchange groups.
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Sharma R, Kumari R, Pant D, Malaviya P. Bioelectricity generation from human urine and simultaneous nutrient recovery: Role of Microbial Fuel Cells. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 292:133437. [PMID: 34973250 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.133437] [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: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Urine is a 'valuable waste' that can be exploited to generate bioelectricity and recover key nutrients for producing NPK-rich biofertilizers. In recent times, improved and innovative waste management technologies have emerged to manage the rapidly increasing environmental pollution and to accomplish the goal of sustainable development. Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have attracted the attention of environmentalists worldwide to treat human urine and produce power through bioelectrochemical reactions in presence of electroactive bacteria growing on the anode. The bacteria break down the complex organic matter present in urine into simpler compounds and release the electrons which flow through an external circuit generating current at the cathode. Many other useful products are harvested at the end of the process. So, in this review, an attempt has been made to synthesize the information on MFCs fuelled with urine to generate bioelectricity and recover value-added resources (nutrients), and their modifications to enhance productivity. Moreover, configuration and mode of system operation, and factors enhancing the performance of MFCs have been also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rozi Sharma
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Jammu, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Rekha Kumari
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Jammu, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Deepak Pant
- Separation & Conversion Technology, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Boeretang 200, Mol, 2400, Belgium
| | - Piyush Malaviya
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Jammu, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India.
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12
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Cova CM, Rincón E, Espinosa E, Serrano L, Zuliani A. Paving the Way for a Green Transition in the Design of Sensors and Biosensors for the Detection of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). BIOSENSORS 2022; 12:51. [PMID: 35200311 PMCID: PMC8869180 DOI: 10.3390/bios12020051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The efficient and selective detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) provides key information for various purposes ranging from the toxicological analysis of indoor/outdoor environments to the diagnosis of diseases or to the investigation of biological processes. In the last decade, different sensors and biosensors providing reliable, rapid, and economic responses in the detection of VOCs have been successfully conceived and applied in numerous practical cases; however, the global necessity of a sustainable development, has driven the design of devices for the detection of VOCs to greener methods. In this review, the most recent and innovative VOC sensors and biosensors with sustainable features are presented. The sensors are grouped into three of the main industrial sectors of daily life, including environmental analysis, highly important for toxicity issues, food packaging tools, especially aimed at avoiding the spoilage of meat and fish, and the diagnosis of diseases, crucial for the early detection of relevant pathological conditions such as cancer and diabetes. The research outcomes presented in the review underly the necessity of preparing sensors with higher efficiency, lower detection limits, improved selectivity, and enhanced sustainable characteristics to fully address the sustainable manufacturing of VOC sensors and biosensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Maria Cova
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florence and CSGI, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy;
| | - Esther Rincón
- BioPren Group, Inorganic Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Cordoba, 14014 Cordoba, Spain; (E.R.); (E.E.); (L.S.)
| | - Eduardo Espinosa
- BioPren Group, Inorganic Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Cordoba, 14014 Cordoba, Spain; (E.R.); (E.E.); (L.S.)
| | - Luis Serrano
- BioPren Group, Inorganic Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Cordoba, 14014 Cordoba, Spain; (E.R.); (E.E.); (L.S.)
| | - Alessio Zuliani
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florence and CSGI, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy;
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13
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Role and Important Properties of a Membrane with Its Recent Advancement in a Microbial Fuel Cell. ENERGIES 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/en15020444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Microbial fuel cells (MFC) are an emerging technology for wastewater treatment that utilizes the metabolism of microorganisms to generate electricity from the organic matter present in water directly. The principle of MFC is the same as hydrogen fuel cell and has three main components (i.e., anode, cathode, and proton exchange membrane). The membrane separates the anode and cathode chambers and keeps the anaerobic and aerobic conditions in the two chambers, respectively. This review paper describes the state-of-the-art membrane materials particularly suited for MFC and discusses the recent development to obtain robust, sustainable, and cost-effective membranes. Nafion 117, Flemion, and Hyflon are the typical commercially available membranes used in MFC. Use of non-fluorinated polymeric membrane materials such as sulfonated silicon dioxide (S-SiO2) in sulfonated polystyrene ethylene butylene polystyrene (SSEBS), sulfonated polyether ether ketone (SPEEK) and graphene oxide sulfonated polyether ether ketone (GO/SPEEK) membranes showed promising output and proved to be an alternative material to Nafion 117. There are many challenges to selecting a suitable membrane for a scaled-up MFC system so that the technology become technically and economically viable.
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14
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Dilip Kumar S, Yasasve M, Karthigadevi G, Aashabharathi M, Subbaiya R, Karmegam N, Govarthanan M. Efficiency of microbial fuel cells in the treatment and energy recovery from food wastes: Trends and applications - A review. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 287:132439. [PMID: 34606889 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.132439] [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: 06/26/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The rising global population and their food habits result in food wastage and cause an obstacle in its treatment and disposal. Due to the rapid shift in the lifestyle of the human population and urbanization, almost one-third of the food produced is wasted from various sectors like domestic sources, agricultural sectors, and industrial sectors. These food resources squandered are rich in organic biomolecules which can cause complications upon direct disposal in the environment. Conventional disposal methods like composting, landfills and incineration demand high costs besides causing severe environmental and health issues. To overcome these demerits of the conventional methods and to avoid the loss of rich organic food resources, there is an immediate need for a sustainable and eco-friendly solution for the valorization of the food wastes. Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are gaining attention, due to their ideal approach in the production of electricity and parallel treatment of organic food wastes. The MFCs are significant as an innovative approach using microorganisms and oxidizing the organic food wastes into bio-electricity. In this review, the recent advancements and practices of the MFCs in the field of food waste treatment and management along with electricity production are discussed. The major outcome of this work highlights the setting up of MFC for the treatment of higher volumes of food waste residues and enhancing the bioelectricity production in an optimal condition. For further improvements in the food waste treatments using MFCs, greater understanding and more research needs are to be focused on the commercialization, different operational modes, operational types, and low-cost fabrication coupled with careful examination of scale-up factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanmugam Dilip Kumar
- Department of Biotechnology, Sri Venkateswara College of Engineering, Pennalur Village, Chennai-Bangaluru High Road, Sriperumbudur, 602 117, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Madhavan Yasasve
- Department of Biotechnology, Sri Venkateswara College of Engineering, Pennalur Village, Chennai-Bangaluru High Road, Sriperumbudur, 602 117, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Guruviah Karthigadevi
- Department of Biotechnology, Sri Venkateswara College of Engineering, Pennalur Village, Chennai-Bangaluru High Road, Sriperumbudur, 602 117, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Manimaran Aashabharathi
- Department of Biotechnology, Sree Sastha Institute of Engineering and Technology, Chembarambakam, Chennai, 600 123, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ramasamy Subbaiya
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, The Copperbelt University, Riverside, Jambo Drive, P O Box, 21692, Kitwe, Zambia
| | - Natchimuthu Karmegam
- Department of Botany, Government Arts College (Autonomous), Salem, 636 007, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Muthusamy Govarthanan
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea.
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15
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Greenman J, Mendis A, You J, Gajda I, Horsfield I, Ieropoulos I. Microbial Fuel Cell Based Thermosensor for Robotic Applications. Front Robot AI 2021; 8:558953. [PMID: 34722640 PMCID: PMC8555662 DOI: 10.3389/frobt.2021.558953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
On the roadmap to building completely autonomous artificial bio-robots, all major aspects of robotic functions, namely, energy generation, processing, sensing, and actuation, need to be self-sustainable and function in the biological realm. Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) provide a platform technology for achieving this goal. In a series of experiments, we demonstrate that MFCs can be used as living, autonomous sensors in robotics. In this work, we focus on thermal sensing that is akin to thermoreceptors in mammalian entities. We therefore designed and tested an MFC-based thermosensor system for utilization within artificial bio-robots such as EcoBots. In open-loop sensor characterization, with a controlled load resistance and feed rate, the MFC thermoreceptor was able to detect stimuli of 1 min directed from a distance of 10 cm causing a temperature rise of ∼1°C at the thermoreceptor. The thermoreceptor responded to continuous stimuli with a minimum interval of 384 s. In a practical demonstration, a mobile robot was fitted with two artificial thermosensors, as environmental thermal detectors for thermotactic application, mimicking thermotaxis in biology. In closed-loop applications, continuous thermal stimuli were detected at a minimum time interval of 160 s, without the need for complete thermoreceptor recovery. This enabled the robot to detect thermal stimuli and steer away from a warmer thermal source within the rise of 1°C. We envision that the thermosensor can be used for future applications in robotics, including as a potential sensor mechanism for maintaining thermal homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Greenman
- Bristol BioEnergy Centre, Bristol Robotics Laboratory, University of the West of England, Bristol, United Kingdom.,Department of Applied Sciences, University of the West of England, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Arjuna Mendis
- Bristol BioEnergy Centre, Bristol Robotics Laboratory, University of the West of England, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Jiseon You
- Bristol BioEnergy Centre, Bristol Robotics Laboratory, University of the West of England, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Iwona Gajda
- Bristol BioEnergy Centre, Bristol Robotics Laboratory, University of the West of England, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Ian Horsfield
- Bristol Robotics Laboratory, University of the West of England, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Ioannis Ieropoulos
- Bristol BioEnergy Centre, Bristol Robotics Laboratory, University of the West of England, Bristol, United Kingdom
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Sharma A, Gajbhiye S, Chauhan S, Chhabra M. Effect of cathodic culture on wastewater treatment and power generation in a photosynthetic sediment microbial fuel cell (SMFC): Canna indica v/s Chlorella vulgaris. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2021; 340:125645. [PMID: 34325389 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2021.125645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this work was to compare the performance of the two types of photosynthetic microbial fuel cells (MFCs) fed with real wastewater- one having plant Canna indica (PMFC) and the other having alga Chlorella vulgaris (AMFC) at the cathode. The chemical oxygen demand (COD), phosphate, and nitrate removal stood at 57.16% 88.81%, 59.82% for PMFC and 65.27%, 95.59%, 66.61% for the AMFC. While AMFC was slightly superior in water treatment, the power output was 6 times higher in PMFC (22.76 mW m-2) than the AMFC (3.64 mW m-2). The biomass growth was good in both systems, with biomass productivity of 0.031 Kg m-3 day-1 in AMFC and a leaf area index of 0.006 in PMFC. The study's findings suggest that PMFCs are equally good or even better than AMFCs when the goal is simultaneous water treatment and power generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arti Sharma
- Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur (IIT J), Jodhpur, 342037, Rajasthan, India
| | - Sanjana Gajbhiye
- Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur (IIT J), Jodhpur, 342037, Rajasthan, India
| | - Sweta Chauhan
- Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur (IIT J), Jodhpur, 342037, Rajasthan, India
| | - Meenu Chhabra
- Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur (IIT J), Jodhpur, 342037, Rajasthan, India.
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Jin Y, Luan Y, Wu Z, Wen W, Zhang X, Wang S. Photocatalytic Fuel Cell-Assisted Molecularly Imprinted Self-Powered Sensor: A Flexible and Sensitive Tool for Detecting Aflatoxin B1. Anal Chem 2021; 93:13204-13211. [PMID: 34528807 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.1c02074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The self-powered electrochemical sensor has gained big achievements in energy and devices, but it is challenging in analytical application owing to its low energy conversion efficiency and limited selectivity caused by the plentiful interference in actual samples. Herein, a new self-powered biosensor was constructed by the integration of a photocatalytic fuel cell (PFC) with a molecular imprinting polymer (MIP) to achieve sensitive and specific detection of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). Compared with other fuel cells, the PFC owns the advantages of low cost, high energy, good stability, and friendly environment by using light as the excitation source. MoS2-Ti3C2Tx MXene (MoS2-MX) served as the photoanode material for the first time by forming a heterojunction structure, which can enhance the photocurrent by about 3-fold and greatly improve the photoelectric conversion efficiency. Aiming at the poor selectivity of the self-powered sensor, the MIP was introduced to achieve the specific capture and separation of targets without sample pretreatment. Using the MIP and PFC as recognition and signal conversion elements, respectively, the proposed self-powered biosensor showed a wide dynamic range of 0.01-1000 ng/mL with a detection limit of 0.73 pg/mL, which opened opportunities to design more novel self-powered biosensors and promoted its application in food safety and environmental monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunxia Jin
- Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Advanced Organic Chemical Materials, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for the Synthesis and Application of Organic Functional Molecules & College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, PR China
| | - Yang Luan
- Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Advanced Organic Chemical Materials, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for the Synthesis and Application of Organic Functional Molecules & College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, PR China
| | - Zhen Wu
- Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Advanced Organic Chemical Materials, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for the Synthesis and Application of Organic Functional Molecules & College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, PR China
| | - Wei Wen
- Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Advanced Organic Chemical Materials, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for the Synthesis and Application of Organic Functional Molecules & College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, PR China
| | - Xiuhua Zhang
- Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Advanced Organic Chemical Materials, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for the Synthesis and Application of Organic Functional Molecules & College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, PR China
| | - Shengfu Wang
- Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Advanced Organic Chemical Materials, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for the Synthesis and Application of Organic Functional Molecules & College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, PR China
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Ratheesh A, Elias L, Aboobakar Shibli SM. Tuning of Electrode Surface for Enhanced Bacterial Adhesion and Reactions: A Review on Recent Approaches. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2021; 4:5809-5838. [PMID: 35006924 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.1c00362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
The study of bacterial adhesion and its consequences has great significance in different fields such as marine science, renewable energy sectors, soil and plant ecology, food industry, and the biomedical field. Generally, the adverse effects of microbial surface interactions have attained wide visibility. However, herein, we present distinct approaches to highlight the beneficial aspects of microbial surface interactions for various applications rather than deal with the conventional negative aspects or prevention strategies. The surface microbial reactions can be tuned for useful biochemical or bio-electrochemical applications, which are otherwise unattainable through conventional routes. In this context, the present review is a comprehensive approach to highlight the basic principles and signature parameters that are responsible for the useful microbial-electrode interactions. It also proposes various surface tuning strategies, which are useful for tuning the electrode characteristics particularly suitable for the enhanced bacterial adhesion and reactions. The tuning of surface characteristics of electrodes is discussed with a special reference to the Microbial Fuel Cell as an example.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjana Ratheesh
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Kerala, Kariavattom Campus, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695 581, India
| | - Liju Elias
- Department of Chemistry, University of Kerala, Kariavattom Campus, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695 581, India
| | - Sheik Muhammadhu Aboobakar Shibli
- Department of Chemistry, University of Kerala, Kariavattom Campus, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695 581, India.,Centre for Renewable Energy and Materials, University of Kerala, Kariavattom Campus, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695 581, India
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Dai Z, Yu R, Zha X, Xu Z, Zhu G, Lu X. On-line monitoring of minor oil spills in natural waters using sediment microbial fuel cell sensors equipped with vertical floating cathodes. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 782:146549. [PMID: 33839652 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Oil spills near natural water bodies pose considerable threats to aquatic ecosystem and drinking water system. Various detection techniques have been developed to identify the oil pollution in natural waters. These techniques mainly focus on large and major oil spills involving significant changes in environmental characteristics. However, monitoring of minor oil spills (from seepage and dripping) in waters remains a bottleneck, allowing inconspicuous and persistent oil contamination. To overcome this drawback, a sediment microbial fuel cell (SMFC) sensor equipped with a vertical floating cathode is developed for on-line and in-situ monitoring of minor oil spills in natural waters. The vertical floating cathode was intended for recognizing oil on water surface. Oil on the cathode will trigger current drop. Two kinds of natural sediments were adopted in two sensors (SMFC1 from a lake and SMFC2 from an urban stream) for comparison. Both showed linear relationship between net steady-state current decrease and oil dose (30.78 and 27.29 μA/mL of sensitivity, respectively). The current change process was fitted well to a pseudo-first order kinetic equation. A one-point/two-point dynamic identification methods were derived from the kinetic equation. Therefore, the detection time was shortened from 10 h to 10/30 min. The triggered current decrease was mainly attributed to the increase in internal resistance related to charge and mass transfer. Despite the power loss after oil contamination, results implied SMFC sensor could still achieve self-sustainability. This study shows that the SMFC sensor with vertical floating cathodes is applicable to monitoring the unnoticeable minor oil pollutions in natural waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheqin Dai
- School of Energy and Environment, Southeast University, No.2 Sipailou Road, Nanjing 210096, PR China; ERC Taihu Lake Water Environment (Wuxi), No. 99 Linghu Road, Wuxi 214135, PR China
| | - Ran Yu
- School of Energy and Environment, Southeast University, No.2 Sipailou Road, Nanjing 210096, PR China
| | - Xiao Zha
- School of Energy and Environment, Southeast University, No.2 Sipailou Road, Nanjing 210096, PR China; ERC Taihu Lake Water Environment (Wuxi), No. 99 Linghu Road, Wuxi 214135, PR China
| | - Zhiheng Xu
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, United States
| | - Guangcan Zhu
- School of Energy and Environment, Southeast University, No.2 Sipailou Road, Nanjing 210096, PR China
| | - Xiwu Lu
- School of Energy and Environment, Southeast University, No.2 Sipailou Road, Nanjing 210096, PR China; ERC Taihu Lake Water Environment (Wuxi), No. 99 Linghu Road, Wuxi 214135, PR China.
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20
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Fabrication of the macro and micro-scale microbial fuel cells to monitor oxalate biodegradation in human urine. Sci Rep 2021; 11:14346. [PMID: 34253836 PMCID: PMC8275799 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-93844-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
This study presented the fabrication of macro and micro-scale microbial fuel cells (MFCs) to generate bioelectricity from oxalate solution and monitor the biodegradation in a micro-scale MFC for the first time. The maximum generated power density of 44.16 W m-3 in the micro-scale MFC elucidated its application as a micro-sized power generator for implantable medical devices (IMDs). It is also worthwhile noting that for the macro-scale MFC, the significant amounts of open circuit voltage, oxalate removal, and coulombic efficiency were about 935 mV, 99%, and 44.2%, respectively. These values compared to previously published studies indicate successful oxalate biodegradation in the macro-scale MFC. Regarding critical challenges to determine the substrate concentration in microfluidic outlets, sample collection in a suitable time and online data reporting, an analogy was made between macro and micro-scale MFCs to elicit correlations defining the output current density as the inlet and the outlet oxalate concentration. Another use of the system as an IMD is to be a platform to identify urolithiasis and hyperoxaluria diseases. As a versatile device for power generation and oxalate biodegradation monitoring, the use of facile and cheap materials (< $1.5 per device) and utilization of human excreta are exceptional features of the manufactured micro-scale MFC.
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21
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Microbial fuel cells, a renewable energy technology for bio-electricity generation: A mini-review. Electrochem commun 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.elecom.2021.107003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
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22
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Moradian JM, Fang Z, Yong YC. Recent advances on biomass-fueled microbial fuel cell. BIORESOUR BIOPROCESS 2021; 8:14. [PMID: 38650218 PMCID: PMC10992463 DOI: 10.1186/s40643-021-00365-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Biomass is one of the most abundant renewable energy resources on the earth, which is also considered as one of the most promising alternatives to traditional fuel energy. In recent years, microbial fuel cell (MFC) which can directly convert the chemical energy from organic compounds into electric energy has been developed. By using MFC, biomass energy could be directly harvested with the form of electricity, the most convenient, wide-spread, and clean energy. Therefore, MFC was considered as another promising way to harness the sustainable energies in biomass and added new dimension to the biomass energy industry. In this review, the pretreatment methods for biomass towards electricity harvesting with MFC, and the microorganisms utilized in biomass-fueled MFC were summarized. Further, strategies for improving the performance of biomass-fueled MFC as well as future perspectives were highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamile Mohammadi Moradian
- Biofuels Institute, School of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
| | - Zhen Fang
- Biofuels Institute, School of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
| | - Yang-Chun Yong
- Biofuels Institute, School of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, 212013, China.
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23
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Wang R, Li H, Sun J, Zhang L, Jiao J, Wang Q, Liu S. Nanomaterials Facilitating Microbial Extracellular Electron Transfer at Interfaces. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2021; 33:e2004051. [PMID: 33325567 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202004051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Electrochemically active bacteria can transport their metabolically generated electrons to anodes, or accept electrons from cathodes to synthesize high-value chemicals and fuels, via a process known as extracellular electron transfer (EET). Harnessing of this microbial EET process has led to the development of microbial bio-electrochemical systems (BESs), which can achieve the interconversion of electrical and chemical energy and enable electricity generation, hydrogen production, electrosynthesis, wastewater treatment, desalination, water and soil remediation, and sensing. Here, the focus is on the current understanding of the microbial EET process occurring at both the bacteria-electrode interface and the biotic interface, as well as some attempts to improve the EET by using various nanomaterials. The behavior of nanomaterials in different EET routes and their influence on the performance of BESs are described. The inherent mechanisms will guide rational design of EET-related materials and lead to a better understanding of EET mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiwen Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150090, China
| | - Huidong Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150090, China
| | - Jinzhi Sun
- School of Life Science and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150090, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150090, China
| | - Jia Jiao
- School of Life Science and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150090, China
| | - Qingqing Wang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Micro- and Nanotechnology Research Center, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150090, China
| | - Shaoqin Liu
- School of Life Science and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150090, China
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Sonawane JM, Ezugwu CI, Ghosh PC. Microbial Fuel Cell-Based Biological Oxygen Demand Sensors for Monitoring Wastewater: State-of-the-Art and Practical Applications. ACS Sens 2020; 5:2297-2316. [PMID: 32786393 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.0c01299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Environmental pollution has been a continuous threat to sustainable development and global well-being. It has become a significant concern worldwide to combat the ecological crisis using low-cost innovative technologies. Biological oxygen demand (BOD) is a key indicator to comprehend the quality of water to guarantee environmental safety and human health; however, none of the present technologies are capable of online monitoring of the water at the source. Microbial fuel cells (MFC) are a promising technology for simultaneous power generation and wastewater treatment. MFCs have also been shown in fascinating applications to measure and detect the toxic pollutants present in wastewater. These are the bioreactors where exoelectrogenic microorganisms catalyze the conversion of the inherent chemical energy stored in organic compounds to electrical energy. Sensors employ energy conversion to measure BOD, which is considered an international index for the detection of organic material load present in wastewater. The MFC-based BOD sensors have gone through a wide range of advancement from mediator to mediator-less, double chamber to single-chamber, and large size to miniature. There have been detailed studies to improve the accuracy and reproducibility of the sensors for commercial applications. Additionally, multistage MFC-based BOD biosensors and miniature MFC-BOD sensors have also been ubiquitous in recent years. A considerable amount of work has been carried out to improve the performance of these devices by fabricating the proton exchange membranes and altering catalysts at the cathode. However, there remains a dearth for the fabrication of the devices in aspects like suitable microbes, proton exchange membranes, and cheaper catalysts for cathodes for effective real-time monitoring of wastewater. In this review, an extensive study has been carried out on various MFC-based BOD sensors. The efficiency and drawbacks associated with the different MFC-based BOD sensors have been critically evaluated, and future perspectives for their development have been investigated. The breadth of work compiled in this review will accelerate further research in MFC-based BOD biosensors. It will be of great importance to broad ranges of scientific research and industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayesh M. Sonawane
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry and Centre for Global Engineering, University of Toronto, 200 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E5, Canada
| | - Chizoba I. Ezugwu
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, and Chemical Engineering, University of Alcala, E-28871 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Prakash C. Ghosh
- Department of Energy Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai, India, 400 076
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Cecconet D, Sabba F, Devecseri M, Callegari A, Capodaglio AG. In situ groundwater remediation with bioelectrochemical systems: A critical review and future perspectives. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 137:105550. [PMID: 32086076 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.105550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Groundwater contamination is an ever-growing environmental issue that has attracted much and undiminished attention for the past half century. Groundwater contamination may originate from both anthropogenic (e.g., hydrocarbons) and natural compounds (e.g., nitrate and arsenic); to tackle the removal of these contaminants, different technologies have been developed and implemented. Recently, bioelectrochemical systems (BES) have emerged as a potential treatment for groundwater contamination, with reported in situ applications that showed promising results. Nitrate and hydrocarbons (toluene, phenanthrene, benzene, BTEX and light PAHs) have been successfully removed, due to the interaction of microbial metabolism with poised electrodes, in addition to physical migration due to the electric field generated in a BES. The selection of proper BESs relies on several factors and problems, such as the complexity of groundwater and subsoil environment, scale-up issues, and energy requirements that need to be accounted for. Modeling efforts could help predict case scenarios and select a proper design and approach, while BES-based biosensing could help monitoring remediation processes. In this review, we critically analyze in situ BES applications for groundwater remediation, focusing in particular on different proposed setups, and we identify and discuss the existing research gaps in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Cecconet
- Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, Via Adolfo Ferrata 3, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Fabrizio Sabba
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Matyas Devecseri
- Department of Sanitary and Environmental Engineering, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Műegyetem rkp. 3, 1111 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Arianna Callegari
- Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, Via Adolfo Ferrata 3, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Andrea G Capodaglio
- Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, Via Adolfo Ferrata 3, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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26
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How does electron transfer occur in microbial fuel cells? World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2020; 36:19. [PMID: 31955250 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-020-2801-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have emerged as a promising technology for sustainable wastewater treatment coupled with electricity generation. A MFC is a device that uses microbes as catalysts to convert chemical energy present in biomass into electrical energy. Among the various mechanisms that drive the operation of a MFC, extracellular electron transfer (EET) to the anode is one of the most important. Exoelectrogenic bacteria can natively transfer electrons to a conducting surface like the anode. The mechanisms employed for electron transfer can either be direct transfer via conductive pili or nanowires, or mediated transfer that involves either naturally secreted redox mediators like flavins and pyocyanins or artificially added mediators like methylene blue and neutral red. EET is a mechanism wherein microorganisms extract energy for growth and maintenance from their surroundings and transfer the resulting electrons to the anode to generate current. The efficiency of these electron transfer mechanisms is dependent not only on the redox potentials of the species involved, but also on microbial oxidative metabolism that liberates electrons. Attempts at understanding the electron transfer mechanisms will boost efforts in giving rise to practical applications. This article covers the various electron transfer mechanisms involved between microbes and electrodes in microbial fuel cells and their applications.
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Cui Y, Lai B, Tang X. Microbial Fuel Cell-Based Biosensors. BIOSENSORS-BASEL 2019; 9:bios9030092. [PMID: 31340591 PMCID: PMC6784372 DOI: 10.3390/bios9030092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The microbial fuel cell (MFC) is a promising environmental biotechnology that has been proposed mainly for power production and wastewater treatment. Though small power output constrains its application for directly operating most electrical devices, great progress in its chemical, electrochemical, and microbiological aspects has expanded the applications of MFCs into other areas such as the generation of chemicals (e.g., formate or methane), bioremediation of contaminated soils, water desalination, and biosensors. In recent decades, MFC-based biosensors have drawn increasing attention because of their simplicity and sustainability, with applications ranging from the monitoring of water quality (e.g., biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), toxicants) to the detection of air quality (e.g., carbon monoxide, formaldehyde). In this review, we summarize the status quo of MFC-based biosensors, putting emphasis on BOD and toxicity detection. Furthermore, this review covers other applications of MFC-based biosensors, such as DO and microbial activity. Further, challenges and prospects of MFC-based biosensors are briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Cui
- School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Bin Lai
- Systems Biotechnology Group, Department of Solar Materials, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research-UFZ, 04318 Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Xinhua Tang
- School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China.
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Jenol MA, Ibrahim MF, Kamal Bahrin E, Kim SW, Abd-Aziz S. Direct Bioelectricity Generation from Sago Hampas by Clostridium beijerinckii SR1 Using Microbial Fuel Cell. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24132397. [PMID: 31261835 PMCID: PMC6651009 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24132397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbial fuel cells offer a technology for simultaneous biomass degradation and biological electricity generation. Microbial fuel cells have the ability to utilize a wide range of biomass including carbohydrates, such as starch. Sago hampas is a starchy biomass that has 58% starch content. With this significant amount of starch content in the sago hampas, it has a high potential to be utilized as a carbon source for the bioelectricity generation using microbial fuel cells by Clostridium beijerinckii SR1. The maximum power density obtained from 20 g/L of sago hampas was 73.8 mW/cm2 with stable cell voltage output of 211.7 mV. The total substrate consumed was 95.1% with the respect of 10.7% coulombic efficiency. The results obtained were almost comparable to the sago hampas hydrolysate with the maximum power density 56.5 mW/cm2. These results demonstrate the feasibility of solid biomass to be utilized for the power generation in fuel cells as well as high substrate degradation efficiency. Thus, this approach provides a promising way to exploit sago hampas for bioenergy generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Azwan Jenol
- Department of Bioprocess Technology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Mohamad Faizal Ibrahim
- Department of Bioprocess Technology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Ezyana Kamal Bahrin
- Department of Bioprocess Technology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Seung Wook Kim
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 136-701, Korea
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya 60115, Indonesia
| | - Suraini Abd-Aziz
- Department of Bioprocess Technology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Malaysia.
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Winfield J, Greenman J, Ieropoulos I. Response of ceramic microbial fuel cells to direct anodic airflow and novel hydrogel cathodes. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY 2019; 44:15344-15354. [PMID: 31217664 PMCID: PMC6558992 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2019.04.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Revised: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The presence of air in the anode chamber of microbial fuel cells (MFCs) might be unavoidable in some applications. This study purposely exposed the anodic biofilm to air for sustained cycles using ceramic cylindrical MFCs. A method for improving oxygen uptake at the cathode by utilising hydrogel was also trialled. MFCs only dropped by 2 mV in response to the influx of air. At higher air-flow rates (up to 1.1 L/h) after 43-45 h, power did eventually decrease because chemical oxygen demand (COD) was being consumed (up to 96% reduction), but recovered immediately with fresh feedstock, highlighting no permanent damage to the biofilm. Two months after the application of hydrogel to the cathode chamber, MFC power increased 182%, due to better contact between cathode and ceramic surface. The results suggest a novel way of improving MFC performance using hydrogels, and demonstrates the robustness of the electro-active biofilm both during and following exposure to air.
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Real-Time Performance Optimization and Diagnostics during Long-Term Operation of a Solid Anolyte Microbial Fuel Cell Biobattery. BATTERIES-BASEL 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/batteries5010009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
This study describes a novel approach for real-time energy harvesting and performance diagnostics of a solid anolyte microbial fuel cell (SA-MFC) representing a prototype smart biobattery. The biobattery power output was maximized in real time by combining intermittent power generation with a Perturbation-and-Observation algorithm for maximum power point tracking. The proposed approach was validated by operating the biobattery under a broad range of environmental conditions affecting power production, such as temperature (4–25 °C), NaCl concentration (up to 2 g L−1), and carbon source concentration. Real-time biobattery performance diagnostics was achieved by estimating key internal parameters (resistance, capacitance, open circuit voltage) using an equivalent electrical circuit model. The real time optimization approach ensured maximum power production during 388 days of biobattery operation under varying environmental conditions, thus confirming the feasibility of biobattery application for powering small electronic devices in field applications.
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A Time-Interleave-Based Power Management System with Maximum Power Extraction and Health Protection Algorithm for Multiple Microbial Fuel Cells for Internet of Things Smart Nodes. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/app8122404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) technology is a novel Energy Harvesting (EH) source that can transform organic substrates in wastewater into electricity through a bioelectrochemical process. However, its limited output power available per liter is in the range of a few milliwatts, which results very limited to be used by an Internet of Things (IoT) smart node that could require power in the order of hundreds of milliwatts when in full operation. One way to reach a usable power output is to connect several MFCs in series or parallel; nevertheless, the high output characteristic resistance of MFCs and differences in output voltage from multiple MFCs, dramatically worsens its power efficiency for both series and parallel arrangements. In this paper, a Power Management System (PMS) is proposed to allow maximum power harvesting from multiple MFCs while providing a regulated output voltage. To enable a more efficient and reliable power-harvesting process from multiple MFCs that considers the biochemical limitations of the bacteria to extend its lifetime, a power ranking and MFC health-protection algorithm using an interleaved EH operation was implemented in a PIC24F16KA102 microcontroller. A power extraction sub-block of the system includes an ultra-low-power BQ25505 step-up DC-DC converter, which integrates Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) capabilities. The maximum efficiency measured of the PMS was ~50.7%. The energy harvesting technique presented in this work was tested to power an internet-enabled temperature-sensing smart node.
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