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Updated: Feb 24, 2026
11:58
Waste Water Derived Electroactive Microbial Biofilms: Growth, Maintenance, and Basic Characterization
Published on: December 29, 2013
14.2K
Bioelectricity (electromicrobiology) and sustainability
1Department of Earth Science and Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, 835 W. 37th Street, SHS Rm 560, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA.
Microbial Biotechnology
|August 15, 2017
Summary
Electromicrobiology involves prokaryotes using electrodes for electron transfer via extracellular electron transport. These bacteria hold potential for environmental applications like pollution remediation and energy generation.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Electrochemistry
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Electromicrobiology studies prokaryotes interacting with electrodes.
- Extracellular electron transport (EET) is key, utilizing outer membrane cytochromes.
- This process facilitates oxidation/reduction of insoluble electron acceptors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the capabilities of electromicrobiology.
- To highlight the potential applications of EET-capable bacteria.
- To underscore the nascent but promising stage of this research field.
Main Methods:
- Focuses on the biological mechanisms of extracellular electron transport.
- Investigates the role of outer membrane cytochromes in electron exchange.
- Reviews existing and potential applications of EET-capable prokaryotes.
Main Results:
- Identified prokaryotes capable of interacting with charged electrodes.
- Demonstrated the mechanism of extracellular electron transport via cytochromes.
- Outlined diverse applications including power generation, water reclamation, pollution remediation, and electrosynthesis.
Conclusions:
- EET-capable bacteria offer significant potential for environmental solutions.
- Current applications are in developmental stages but show high promise.
- Electromicrobiology is an emerging field with substantial future impact.
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