Trends in genetic and metabolic engineering of Geobacter sulfurreducens for bioelectrochemical systems: a...

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are bioelectrochemical systems that harness electrogenic bacteria (EB) to catalyze electrochemical reactions at electrodes for electricity generation. Despite their promise for clean energy, challenges such as low efficiency, high cost and secondary pollutant formation limit their widespread application. Geobacter sulfurreducens, a model electrogenic bacterium, plays a central role in MFC research due to its robust extracellular electron transfer (EET) capabilities and ability to form stable, conductive biofilms. Understanding and engineering its metabolic pathways, gene expression and synergistic interactions with other microorganisms can significantly enhance MFC performance. This review highlights advances in the metabolic and genetic modification of G. sulfurreducens, its syntrophic interactions with other bacteria and approaches for improving MFC performance. Through bibliometric analysis, we identify publication trends, research hotspots and emerging approaches in MFCs. Collectively, this work provides a roadmap for leveraging G. sulfurreducens and microbial consortia to improve bioelectrochemical system efficiency and advance sustainable energy technologies.