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Biogenic FeS Reshapes microbial interactions to regulate acetogenesis in CO2-Fed microbial electrosynthesis
Huixing Wu1, Han Wang2, Shuaishuai Man3
1School of Environment and Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.
Bioresource Technology
|March 24, 2026
Summary
Biogenic iron sulfide (FeS) formation at the cathode enhances microbial electrosynthesis (MES) for CO2-to-acetate conversion. This strategy improves microbial cooperation and boosts acetate production, offering a new approach for efficient bioelectrochemical systems.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Microbiology
- Electrochemistry
Background:
- Microbial electrosynthesis (MES) faces challenges with inefficient electron transfer and disorganized microbial communities, limiting CO2-to-acetate conversion.
- Developing strategies to enhance microbial coordination is crucial for improving the stability and efficiency of MES.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of in situ biogenic iron sulfide (FeS) formation in regulating microbial communities and enhancing acetogenesis in MES.
- To elucidate the mechanisms by which FeS influences microbial interactions and metabolic pathways for improved CO2 conversion.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 to induce biogenic FeS formation at the cathode.
- Optimized conditions for acetogenesis, including sludge to MR-1 ratio and Fe/S concentrations.
- Performed community and metagenomic analyses to assess microbial community structure and function.
- Applied co-occurrence network analysis to understand microbial interactions.
Main Results:
- Acetate production reached 1330.6 mg L-1 with 62.9% carbon recovery efficiency under optimized conditions.
- FeS selectively enriched acetogens and Fe/S-transforming microorganisms.
- Restructured functional pathways related to redox metabolism and energy conservation.
- FeS promoted coordinated, function-oriented microbial interactions over competitive ones.
Conclusions:
- Biogenic FeS formation effectively regulates microbial communities and enhances acetogenesis in MES.
- FeS acts as a key factor in linking electron transfer with microbial cooperation.
- This study provides a mechanistic basis for improving MES performance via community-level regulation using biogenic FeS.
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