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Characterizing Mediated Extracellular Electron Transfer in Lactic Acid Bacteria with a Three-Electrode, Two-Chamber Bioelectrochemical System
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Insights into Extracellular Respiration Interfaces: Linking Molecular Redox Sites to Humic-Reducing Microorganisms in
Xinyu Zhao1, Yan Wang1,2, Beidou Xi1
1State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China.
Environmental Science & Technology
|April 13, 2026
Summary
This study reveals how humic-reducing microorganisms (HRMs) mediate extracellular electron transfer (EET) in compost. Understanding these microbial redox processes enhances compost quality and soil health.
Area of Science:
- * Environmental Microbiology
- * Soil Science
- * Biogeochemistry
Background:
- * Composting is crucial for converting organic waste into valuable soil amendments.
- * Microbial extracellular electron transfer (EET) drives nutrient cycling and compost functionality.
- * Elucidating the EET chain from humic-reducing microorganisms (HRMs) to redox sites is challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To investigate HRM-mediated EET at microinterfaces using molecular ecology and theoretical modeling.
- * To correlate redox sites, intermolecular interactions, and molecular properties with HRM activity.
- * To establish the EET chain from electron donors to HRMs and redox sites.
Main Methods:
- * Integrated molecular metacommunity ecology with theoretical molecular modeling.
- * Constructed 35 models for 88 HRMs, correlating molecules with electron-accepting/donating capacity (EAC/EDC).
- * Analyzed 3D imaging snapshots of condensed molecules to establish the EET chain.
Main Results:
- * Identified specific HRMs targeting lignin-derived polyphenols and aliphatic/protein substrates.
- * Demonstrated selective utilization of electron acceptors (Ar-SH, Ar-COO-, quinone) by HRMs.
- * Highlighted the significant influence of intermolecular interactions and molecular aggregation on EET.
Conclusions:
- * Established a theoretical foundation for regulating redox processes in composting.
- * Provided insights into enhancing resource conversion efficiency during composting.
- * Guided the development of high-function compost products through understanding microbial redox mechanisms.
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