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Published on: July 24, 2018
Bioelectrosynthesis systems
Joshua Finkelstein1, James Swartz2, Mattheos Koffas3
1Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY 12180, USA.
Abstract:
Bioelectrosynthesis (BES) systems exploit extracellular electron transport pathways to augment cellular metabolism. This strategy can be used to improve the economic viability of bio-based syntheses versus conventional methods, most notably petrochemical-based syntheses. It also has the potential to reduce the carbon footprint of biomanufacturing processes. Efficient channeling of cathode-derived electrons towards biosynthesis requires a better understanding of the biological mechanisms of electron transport as well as detailed evaluation of all aspects of process performance. More advanced solutions may deploy cell free systems that use ex situ generated reducing equivalents to improve economic performance.
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