Journal of Energy Bioscience 2024, Vol.15, No.2, 85-95 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/jeb 85 Research Insight Open Access Study on Electron Transfer Mechanisms of Electroactive Bacteria in Microbial Fuel Cells MayH.Wang Hainan Institute of Biotechnology, Haikou, 570206, Hainan, China Corresponding email: mayh.wang@hitar.org Journal of Energy Bioscience, 2024, Vol.15, No.2 doi: 10.5376/jeb.2024.15.0009 Received: 28 Jan., 2024 Accepted: 01 Mar., 2024 Published: 13 Mar., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Wang, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Wang M.H., 2024, Study on electron transfer mechanisms of electroactive bacteria in microbial fuel cells, Journal of Energy Bioscience, 15(2): 85-95 (doi: 10.5376/jeb.2024.15.0009) Abstract Electroactive bacteria (EAB) play a crucial role in microbial fuel cells (MFCs) by facilitating electron transfer processes that are essential for energy generation and environmental remediation. This review paper delves into the molecular mechanisms underlying electron transfer in EAB, highlighting recent advancements and key differences between Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The review also explores the diversity of electroactive microorganisms, including iron-reducing bacteria and electrotrophic microorganisms, and their applications in bioelectrochemical systems. Strategies to enhance electron transfer efficiency, such as the use of electron-conducting polymers and nanostructured materials, are discussed. Additionally, the role of cell-surface exposed conductive proteins and the impact of biofilm spatial structure on electron transfer efficiency are examined. This research aims to provide a deeper understanding of the electron transfer mechanisms in EAB, thereby contributing to the optimization and advancement of microbial fuel cell technologies. Keywords Rapeseed oil; Biodiesel; Production process; Economic analysis; Sustainable development 1 Introduction Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have garnered significant attention as a sustainable technology for wastewater treatment and bioelectricity generation. MFCs utilize electroactive bacteria to convert chemical energy from organic substrates directly into electrical energy through electrochemical reactions at the anode and cathode (Logan et al., 2019; Aiyer, 2020). This dual functionality of MFCs not only addresses environmental pollution but also provides a renewable source of energy, making them a promising solution for sustainable development (Zhou et al., 2020). The efficiency and performance of MFCs are influenced by various factors, including electrode materials, microbial species, and the mechanisms of electron transfer from bacteria to the anode (Li et al., 2021). Understanding the electron transfer mechanisms in electroactive bacteria is crucial for optimizing the performance of MFCs. Electroactive bacteria, such as Geobacter and Shewanella species, can transfer electrons to the anode either directly through conductive pili and nanowires or indirectly via redox mediators (Lan et al., 2018; Aiyer, 2020). The efficiency of these electron transfer processes determines the overall power output and stability of MFCs. Direct electron transfer (DET) involves the use of outer membrane cytochromes and conductive appendages, while mediated electron transfer (MET) relies on naturally secreted or externally added redox compounds (Pankratova et al., 2019; Aiyer, 2020). Enhancing our understanding of these mechanisms can lead to the development of more efficient MFCs with higher power densities and broader applications in bioelectrochemical systems (Zhao et al., 2020). The primary objective of this study is to investigate the various electron transfer mechanisms employed by electroactive bacteria in MFCs and their impact on the performance of these systems. This includes examining both direct and mediated electron transfer processes, the role of biofilm formation, and the influence of different electrode materials and configurations. By elucidating these mechanisms, the study aims to provide insights into optimizing MFC design and operation for enhanced bioelectricity production and environmental remediation. The scope of the study encompasses a comprehensive review of current literature, experimental investigations, and the development of mathematical models to predict and improve electron transfer efficiency in MFCs.
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