Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Environmental Applications of Microorganisms

Environmental Applications of Microorganisms

Microorganisms play a pivotal role in maintaining ecosystem balance by recycling essential elements such as carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus, as well as supporting processes like bioremediation, wastewater treatment, and biofuel production.Microbes in Elemental CyclesIn the carbon cycle, microorganisms decompose organic matter, releasing carbon dioxide via aerobic respiration. This carbon dioxide is subsequently used by photosynthetic organisms to synthesize organic compounds, closing the...

Microbial Nutrition

Microbial Nutrition

Organisms exhibit remarkable metabolic diversity, categorized based on how they acquire energy and carbon. These strategies enable survival in various ecological niches and are essential for maintaining energy flow and nutrient cycling within ecosystems.Energy and Carbon SourcesOrganisms are classified as phototrophs or chemotrophs based on energy acquisition. Phototrophs use light as their energy source, while chemotrophs rely on oxidizing chemical compounds. Further differentiation arises...

Microbial Biosensors

Microbial Biosensors

Microbial biosensors are analytical devices that utilize living microbes to detect specific substances through measurable signals. These devices consist of two main components: biosensing organisms and signal-transducing elements. Biosensing organisms, such as Escherichia coli or Saccharomyces cerevisiae, are typically housed in multiwell plates connected to transducers, enabling rapid, real-time detection of target analytes.Signal Generation MechanismWhen a target analyte—such as...

Batteries and Fuel Cells

Batteries and Fuel Cells

A battery is a galvanic cell that is used as a source of electrical power for specific applications. Modern batteries exist in a multitude of forms to accommodate various applications, from tiny button batteries such as those that power wristwatches to the very large batteries used to supply backup energy to municipal power grids. Some batteries are designed for single-use applications and cannot be recharged (primary cells), while others are based on conveniently reversible cell reactions that...

Microbial Leaching

Microbial Leaching

Microbial leaching, also known as bioleaching, is an environmentally favorable method for extracting metals from low-grade ores using specific microorganisms. This biotechnological approach is particularly valuable for mining operations targeting copper, gold, and uranium, where traditional extraction methods may be economically or environmentally impractical.Copper Leaching and Microbial CatalysisIn copper bioleaching, crushed ore is arranged into heaps and irrigated with a dilute sulfuric...

Metabolism of Chemolithotrophs

Metabolism of Chemolithotrophs

Chemolithotrophs are microorganisms that obtain energy by oxidizing inorganic molecules such as hydrogen gas (H₂), ammonia (NH₃), reduced sulfur compounds (H₂S, S²⁻), and ferrous iron (Fe²⁺). Unlike heterotrophic organisms that rely on organic carbon, chemolithotrophs transfer electrons from these inorganic donors to the electron transport chain (ETC), generating a proton motive force (PMF) that drives ATP synthesis through oxidative phosphorylation. However, because inorganic electron donors...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Biodegradation of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) microplastics in superworms (Zophobas atratus larvae): High biodegradation rate with limited mineralization and elevation of oxidative stress.

Insect science·2026

Same author

A New Coleoptera Member (<i>Ulomoides dermestoides</i>) to Biodegrade Plastics.

Environmental science & technology·2025

Same author

Pangolin-type fluorescence imaging of circulating tumor cell based on functionalized 2D nanomaterial.

Mikrochimica acta·2025

Same author

S.M.A.R.T. Flex vascular stent system in femoropopliteal arteries: 18-month result of a real-world registry.

European journal of medical research·2025

Same author

Identification and Characterization of Key Enzymes Involved in UDP-Sugar Donor Synthesis and Flavonoid Glycosylation from <i>Trametes hirsuta</i>.

Journal of agricultural and food chemistry·2025

Same author

Vitamin D supplementation inhibits atherosclerosis through repressing macrophage-induced inflammation via SIRT1/mTORC2 signaling.

Chinese medical journal·2025

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 7, 2026

Waste Water Derived Electroactive Microbial Biofilms: Growth, Maintenance, and Basic Characterization

Waste Water Derived Electroactive Microbial Biofilms: Growth, Maintenance, and Basic Characterization

Published on: December 29, 2013

Microbial battery for efficient energy recovery.

Xing Xie¹, Meng Ye, Po-Chun Hsu

¹Departments of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, and Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305.

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America

|September 18, 2013

Summary

Researchers developed a microbial battery (MB) to recover energy from organic waste. This innovative system utilizes microorganisms to convert waste into electricity, offering an efficient alternative to traditional methods like methane fermentation.

Keywords:

bioelectrochemical system exoelectrogens microbial fuel cells renewable energy

More Related Videos

Characterizing Electron Transport through Living Biofilms

Characterizing Electron Transport through Living Biofilms

Published on: June 1, 2018

Self-standing Electrochemical Set-up to Enrich Anode-respiring Bacteria On-site

Self-standing Electrochemical Set-up to Enrich Anode-respiring Bacteria On-site

Published on: July 24, 2018

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 7, 2026

Waste Water Derived Electroactive Microbial Biofilms: Growth, Maintenance, and Basic Characterization

Waste Water Derived Electroactive Microbial Biofilms: Growth, Maintenance, and Basic Characterization

Published on: December 29, 2013

Characterizing Electron Transport through Living Biofilms

Characterizing Electron Transport through Living Biofilms

Published on: June 1, 2018

Self-standing Electrochemical Set-up to Enrich Anode-respiring Bacteria On-site

Self-standing Electrochemical Set-up to Enrich Anode-respiring Bacteria On-site

Published on: July 24, 2018

Area of Science:

Environmental science
Electrochemistry
Microbiology

Background:

Organic-rich reservoirs like marine sediment and wastewater can cause eutrophication and greenhouse gas emissions if unmanaged.
Harnessing microbial oxidative power offers a sustainable route for energy recovery from these sources.

Purpose of the Study:

To introduce and evaluate a novel microbial battery (MB) for energy recovery from organic matter.
To assess the efficiency of a single-chamber, membrane-free MB design.

Main Methods:

Constructed bench-scale MB prototypes using commercially available materials.
Employed glucose or domestic wastewater as the electron donor.
Utilized a reoxidizable solid-state cathode (silver oxide) as the oxidant electrode.

Main Results:

Achieved electrical energy conversion efficiencies of 49% (based on consumed organic matter) and 44% (based on added organic matter).
Electrochemical reoxidation of the cathode reduced net efficiency to approximately 30%.
The unoptimized net energy recovery efficiency is comparable to methane fermentation with combined heat and power.

Conclusions:

Microbial batteries present a viable technology for sustainable energy recovery from organic waste reservoirs.
The single-chamber, membrane-free design offers a simplified and potentially cost-effective approach.
Further optimization could enhance the efficiency and applicability of MB technology.