High throughput techniques for the rapid identification of electroactive microorganisms.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Energy Science
• Bioelectronics

Background:

• Electroactive microorganisms (EAM) facilitate extracellular electron transfer (EET), enabling applications in microbial electrochemical technologies (MET), bioremediation, and biosensing.
• Despite their widespread presence, only a limited number of EAM have been identified, necessitating rapid identification techniques.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and highlight existing techniques for the direct and indirect identification of EAM.
• To discuss the time efficiency of current EAM identification methods.
• To identify bottlenecks and knowledge gaps in EAM identification.

Main Methods:

• Direct identification methods reviewed include azo dye and WO3-based techniques, dielectrophoresis, and potentiostatic/galvanometric methods.
• Indirect identification methods discussed encompass spectroscopy and molecular biology techniques.
• Emphasis is placed on the time required for EAM detection using these techniques.

Main Results:

• Various direct and indirect methods for EAM identification are presented, with a focus on their detection times.
• Current bottlenecks in EAM identification are discussed, including limitations in speed and accuracy.
• Existing knowledge gaps highlight the need for further research in EAM detection.

Conclusions:

• The review underscores the importance of developing high-throughput techniques for EAM identification.
• There is a critical need for faster and more accurate methods to identify electroactive microorganisms.
• Addressing these needs will accelerate advancements in MET, bioremediation, and bioelectronic applications.