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Methods for enrichment of novel electrochemically-active microorganisms
Lucinda Elizabeth Doyle1, Enrico Marsili2
1Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE), Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, SBS-01N-27, Singapore 637551, Singapore; Interdisciplinary Graduate School, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
Bioresource Technology
|July 21, 2015
Summary
Discovering novel electrochemically-active microorganisms (EAM) is crucial for advancing microbial fuel cells and bioremediation. This review outlines methods for enriching and characterizing new EAM from environmental samples to accelerate discovery.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Environmental Science
- Electrochemistry
Background:
- Electrochemically-active microorganisms (EAM) play vital roles in metal biogeochemistry, microbial fuel cells (MFCs), bioremediation, and bioelectrocatalysis.
- Current research predominantly focuses on Shewanella and Geobacter genera, with limited discovery of novel EAM in recent years.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current enrichment and characterization techniques for novel EAM.
- To provide a roadmap for increasing the throughput of EAM discovery from environmental samples.
Main Methods:
- Review of inoculum selection, growth media, and reactor configurations for EAM enrichment.
- Discussion of electrochemical characterization and community profiling using metagenomics and metatranscriptomics.
Main Results:
- Summarizes existing approaches for isolating and identifying new EAM.
- Proposes a systematic roadmap to enhance the discovery rate of novel EAM.
Conclusions:
- A comprehensive strategy is needed to expand the known diversity of EAM.
- The proposed roadmap aims to accelerate the identification of EAM for biotechnological applications.
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