Journal Article

Electroactive bacteria—molecular mechanisms and genetic tools

Schrader, Jens, Holtmann, Dirk, Sydow, Anne, Krieg, Thomas, Mayer, Florian

2014

Overview

In nature, different bacteria have evolved strategies to transfer electrons far beyond the cell surface. This electron transfer enables the use of these bacteria in bioelectrochemical systems (BES), such as microbial fuel cells (MFCs) and microbial electrosynthesis (MES). The main feature of electroactive bacteria (EAB) in these applications is the ability to transfer electrons from the microbial cell to an electrode or vice versa instead of the natural redox partner. In general, the application of electroactive organisms in BES offers the opportunity to develop efficient and sustainable processes for the production of energy as well as bulk and fine chemicals, respectively. This review describes and compares key microbiological features of different EAB. Furthermore, it focuses on achievements and future prospects of genetic manipulation for efficient strain development.

• Publisher: Springer-Verlag,Springer Berlin Heidelberg,Springer,Springer Nature B.V
• Subject: Analysis / Bacteria / Bacteria - genetics / Bacteria - metabolism / Biochemical fuel cells / Bioelectric Energy Sources / bioelectrochemistry / Biofilms / Biomedical and Life Sciences / Biotechnology / Carbon / Carbon dioxide / Cell surface / Comparative analysis / Cytochrome / Electricity / Electrodes / Electrodes - microbiology / Electron transfer / Electron transfer reactions / Electron transport / Electrons / energy / Fine chemicals / Fuel cells / Genetic engineering / Gram-positive bacteria / Investigations / Life Sciences / Metabolic Networks and Pathways - genetics / Metabolism / microbial fuel cells / Microbial Genetics and Genomics / Microbiology / Microorganisms / Mini-Review / Molecular modelling / Physiological aspects / Proteins / Studies