100th Anniversary of Macromolecular Science Viewpoint: Soft Materials for Microbial Bioelectronics.

Area of Science:

• Bioelectronics
• Microbial Electrochemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Bioelectronics integrates biology and microelectronics for innovative devices.
• Microbial electrochemical devices utilize microbes within electronic systems.
• These devices offer applications in energy, production, remediation, and monitoring.

Purpose of the Study:

• Highlight recent advances in microbial bioelectronic devices.
• Identify ongoing challenges, with a focus on materials.
• Provide an overview and perspective on the field's future.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on microbial bioelectronic devices.
• Discussion of the biotic-abiotic interface.
• Analysis of materials challenges in electron transfer, adhesion, and signaling.

Main Results:

• Recent progress in electron transfer, microbial adhesion, and redox signaling.
• Advances in electronic amplification and device miniaturization.
• Identification of critical materials science hurdles.

Conclusions:

• Materials science is crucial for advancing microbial bioelectronic devices.
• Overcoming interface and electron transfer challenges is key.
• The field holds significant potential for diverse applications.