Electrochemical gradients are the backbone of basic cellular functions, including chemo-osmotic transport and ATP synthesis. Microbial growth, terminal respiratory proteins and external electron transfer are major pathways competing for electrons. In BESs (bioelectrochemical systems), such as MFCs (microbial fuel cells), the electron flow can be via soluble inorganic/organic molecules or to a solid surface. The flow of electrons towards a solid surface can be via outer-membrane cytochromes or electron-shuttle molecules, mediated by conductive protein nanowires or extracellular matrices. In MECs (microbial electrolysis cells), the anode potential can vary over a wide range, which alters the thermodynamic energy available for bacteria capable of donating electrons to the electrode [termed EAB (electroactive bacteria)]. Thus the anode potential is an important electrochemical parameter determining the growth, electron distribution/transfer and electrical activity of films of these bacteria on electrodes. Different optimal applied potentials to anodes have been suggested in the literature, for selection for microbial growth, diversity and performance in biofilms on electrodes. In the present paper, we review the effects of anode potentials on electron-transfer properties of such biofilms, and report on the effect that electrochemical cell configuration may have on performance.
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December 2012
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Conference Article|
November 21 2012
Does bioelectrochemical cell configuration and anode potential affect biofilm response? Available to Purchase
Amit Kumar;
Amit Kumar
*Biomolecular Electronics Research Laboratory, Shool of Chemistry, National University of Ireland Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland
†Department of Environmental Engineering and Water Technology, UNESCO-IHE, Delft, The Netherlands
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Krishna Katuri;
Krishna Katuri
*Biomolecular Electronics Research Laboratory, Shool of Chemistry, National University of Ireland Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland
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Piet Lens;
Piet Lens
†Department of Environmental Engineering and Water Technology, UNESCO-IHE, Delft, The Netherlands
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Dónal Leech
Dónal Leech
1
*Biomolecular Electronics Research Laboratory, Shool of Chemistry, National University of Ireland Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland
1To whom correspondence should be addressed (email[email protected]).
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Publisher: Portland Press Ltd
Received:
May 03 2012
Online ISSN: 1470-8752
Print ISSN: 0300-5127
© 2012 The Authors Journal
2012
Biochem Soc Trans (2012) 40 (6): 1308–1314.
Article history
Received:
May 03 2012
Citation
Amit Kumar, Krishna Katuri, Piet Lens, Dónal Leech; Does bioelectrochemical cell configuration and anode potential affect biofilm response?. Biochem Soc Trans 1 December 2012; 40 (6): 1308–1314. doi: https://doi.org/10.1042/BST20120130
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