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Microbial electron uptake in microbial electrosynthesis: a mini-review

Journal Article · · Journal of Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology
 [1];  [2];  [2]
  1. grid.4367.6 0000 0001 2355 7002 Department of Biology Washington University in Saint Louis One Brookings Drive 63130 St. Louis MO USA; OSTI
  2. grid.4367.6 0000 0001 2355 7002 Department of Biology Washington University in Saint Louis One Brookings Drive 63130 St. Louis MO USA

Abstract

Microbial electron uptake (EU) is the biological capacity of microbes to accept electrons from electroconductive solid materials. EU has been leveraged for sustainable bioproduction strategies via microbial electrosynthesis (MES). MES often involves the reduction of carbon dioxide to multi-carbon molecules, with electrons derived from electrodes in a bioelectrochemical system. EU can be indirect or direct. Indirect EU-based MES uses electron mediators to transfer electrons to microbes. Although an excellent initial strategy, indirect EU requires higher electrical energy. In contrast, the direct supply of cathodic electrons to microbes (direct EU) is more sustainable and energy efficient. Nonetheless, low product formation due to low electron transfer rates during direct EU remains a major challenge. Compared to indirect EU, direct EU is less well-studied perhaps due to the more recent discovery of this microbial capability. This mini-review focuses on the recent advances and challenges of direct EU in relation to MES.

Research Organization:
Washington Univ., St. Louis, MO (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Science (SC)
DOE Contract Number:
SC0014613
OSTI ID:
1802694
Journal Information:
Journal of Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology, Journal Name: Journal of Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology Journal Issue: 9-10 Vol. 46; ISSN 1367-5435
Publisher:
Springer
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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