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In Situ Spectroelectrochemical Characterization Reveals Cytochrome-Mediated Electric Syntrophy in Geobacter Coculture
1Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.
Environmental Science & Technology
|July 1, 2021
Summary
Direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) is crucial in microbial communities. This study developed a new method to show cytochromes mediate electron transfer in DIET cocultures, revealing insights into microbial electrical connections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Electrochemistry
- Biophysics
Background:
- Direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) is vital in microbial consortia but its mechanisms remain debated due to limited characterization methods.
- Understanding DIET is key to fields like microbial fuel cells and biogeochemical cycling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and utilize an in situ anaerobic spectroelectrochemical coculture cell (in situ ASCC) for direct characterization of DIET.
- To elucidate the electron transfer mechanisms in Geobacter DIET cocultures.
Main Methods:
- Development of an in situ ASCC for biofilm formation on interdigitated microelectrode arrays.
- Application of in situ Raman and electrochemical Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy.
- Electrochemical techniques including cyclic voltammetry, potential step experiments, and electrochemical gating measurements.
Main Results:
- Cytochromes were identified as abundant components in the DIET coculture.
- Evidence for cytochrome-mediated electron transfer and a diffusion-controlled process was established.
- The G.m&G.s-ΔgltA coculture showed higher redox conductivity than G.m&G.s, indicating a more efficient electrical connection.
Conclusions:
- The study provides the first report of redox-gradient-driven electron transport facilitated by c-type cytochromes in DIET.
- Findings support the model of cytochrome-mediated DIET and offer a platform for studying other DIET consortia.
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