Geobacter strains that use alternate organic compounds, methods of making, and methods of use thereof

Patent · Tue Dec 03 00:00:00 EST 2013

OSTI ID:1109357

Lovley, Derek R; Summers, Zarath Morgan; Haveman, Shelley Annette; Izallalen, Mounir

In preferred embodiments, the present invention provides new isolated strains of Geobacter species that are capable of using a carbon source that is selected from C.sub.3 to C.sub.12 organic compounds selected from pyruvate or metabolic precursors of pyruvate as an electron donor in metabolism and in subsequent energy production. In other aspects, other preferred embodiments of the present invention include methods of making such strains and methods of using such strains. In general, the wild type strain of the microorganisms has been shown to be unable to use these C.sub.3 to C.sub.12 organic compounds as electron donors in metabolic steps such as the reduction of metallic ions. The inventive strains of microorganisms are useful improving bioremediation applications, including in situ bioremediation (including uranium bioremediation and halogenated solvent bioremediation), microbial fuel cells, power generation from small and large-scale waste facilities (e.g., biomass waste from dairy, agriculture, food processing, brewery, or vintner industries, etc.) using microbial fuel cells, and other applications of microbial fuel cells, including, but not limited to, improved electrical power supplies for environmental sensors, electronic sensors, and electric vehicles.

• Research Organization: University of Massachusetts, Boston, MA, USA
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: FC02-02ER63446
• Assignee: University of Massachusetts (Boston, MA)
• Patent Number(s): 8,597,930
• Application Number: 13/021,953
• OSTI ID: 1109357
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES