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Updated: May 30, 2026
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Techniques for the Evolution of Robust Pentose-fermenting Yeast for Bioconversion of Lignocellulose to Ethanol
Published on: October 24, 2016
Influence of artificial mediators on yeast-based fuel cell performance
Sofia Babanova1, Yolina Hubenova, Mario Mitov
1Department of Chemistry, South-West University, 66 Ivan Mihailov str, 2700 Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria. sofiababanova@gmail.com
Journal of Bioscience and Bioengineering
|July 26, 2011
Summary
Researchers explored organic compounds to boost power in yeast fuel cells. Certain mediators like methylene blue significantly enhanced electrical output from Candida melibiosica yeast.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology and Bioengineering
- Electrochemistry
- Renewable Energy
Background:
- Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) commonly use artificial mediators to improve electron transfer from cells to anodes.
- The yeast strain Candida melibiosica 2491 exhibits inherent electrogenic properties, enabling its use as a biocatalyst in mediatorless yeast fuel cells.
- Enhancing electrical power output remains a key challenge for yeast-based MFCs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of various organic compounds as mediators for enhancing power generation in a Candida melibiosica-based fuel cell.
- To identify specific organic mediators that can significantly improve current and power outputs compared to mediatorless systems.
Main Methods:
- Cyclic voltammetry was employed to assess the reversible electrochemical behavior of candidate organic compounds at relevant potentials.
- Selected organic compounds were tested as mediators in a Candida melibiosica yeast fuel cell setup.
- Electrical performance metrics, including current and power outputs, were measured and compared between mediated and mediatorless configurations.
Main Results:
- Several organic compounds, including methylene blue, methyl orange, methyl red, and neutral red, demonstrated suitable electrochemical properties for mediated electron transfer.
- The inclusion of these mediators led to a significant increase in both current and power outputs compared to the mediatorless yeast fuel cell.
- Methylene blue, methyl orange, methyl red, and neutral red proved effective in enhancing the performance of the Candida melibiosica fuel cell.
Conclusions:
- Organic compounds can serve as effective mediators to enhance the performance of yeast-based microbial fuel cells.
- Mediators like methylene blue, methyl orange, methyl red, and neutral red offer a viable strategy to boost electrical power generation in Candida melibiosica fuel cells.
- The findings support the development of more efficient yeast-based fuel cells through the strategic use of organic mediators.
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