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Quorum sensing improves current output with Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans.

Nicolas Chabert1, Violaine Bonnefoy2, Wafa Achouak1

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Quorum sensing with acyl-homoserine lactones significantly enhanced electrode coverage for Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans. This improved microbial fuel cell efficiency, especially when using iron as an electron donor.

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Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Electrochemistry
  • Biotechnology

Background:

  • Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans is an acidophilic bacterium utilizing inorganic compounds for energy.
  • Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) harness microbial metabolism for electricity generation.
  • Quorum sensing regulates bacterial behavior and community development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of quorum sensing on Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans colonization of electrodes.
  • To evaluate the impact of electron donor type (iron vs. sulfur) on MFC performance.
  • To determine the role of acyl-homoserine lactones (AHLs) in enhancing biocathode efficiency.

Main Methods:

  • Pre-colonization of carbon felt electrodes with A. ferrooxidans.
  • Application of C14-acyl-homoserine lactones (C14-AHLs) to modulate quorum sensing.
  • Construction and testing of microbial fuel cells (MFCs) with pre-colonized electrodes.
  • Electrochemical analysis using cyclic voltammetry.

Main Results:

  • Quorum sensing activation significantly enhanced electrode coverage compared to controls.
  • MFCs using iron as an electron donor showed higher current production.
  • Biocathode coverage and current output reached -0.56 A m⁻² with iron metabolism and C14-AHLs.
  • Cyclic voltammetry indicated distinct electrochemical reactions based on the electron donor.

Conclusions:

  • Quorum sensing is a key factor in improving A. ferrooxidans electrode colonization and MFC performance.
  • Iron-based metabolism combined with AHLs offers a promising strategy for enhanced biocathode efficiency.
  • Electron donor type influences electron transfer mechanisms in A. ferrooxidans-based MFCs.