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Bioelectrochemical Systems

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Biochemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 October 2016) | Viewed by 66817

Special Issue Editors

Separation and Conversion Technology, VITO – Flemish Institute for Technological Research, Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium
Interests: microbial electrosynthesis; enzymatic electrosynthesis; carbon dioxide conversion to chemicals; bioelectrochemistry; microbial fuel cell (MFC); industrial wastewater treatment; bioenergy from biomass; biowaste valorization
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
DISAA, University of Milan, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milan, Italy
Interests: biotechnology; environmental science; waste management; anaerobic digestion; biohydrogen; microbial fuel cells; dark fermentation; electrofermentation; energy crops; nutrient management; agro-residue

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) involve the microbially catalyzed transfer of electrons between an electrode and various organic and inorganic substrates. In recent years, there has been a great surge in BES research pertaining to a wide variety of potential applications, such as a promising solution for waste to energy (microbial fuel cells) and the synthesis of commercial products and resource recovery (microbial electrosynthesis) via microbial electron transfer pathways.

This Special Issue will focus on emerging scientific advancements pertaining to all BES components, reactions, and characterization methods, including, but not limited to, the following aspects: Electrode materials and the scientific basis for their proper arrangement are major concerns for the commercial feasibility of BESs; cathode oxidation reaction and associated transport processes are often rate limiting in BESs; and biocathodes introduce the added consideration of the governing reaction and mechanisms with different terminal electron acceptors. Various electro-analytical and molecular tools allow a better understanding of electron shuttle and extracellular electron transfer. Additionally, the characterization of microbial ecology features, such as microbial community analysis and the use of “omics” techniques, help to understand the beneficial and detrimental biofilm reactions and their correlation with the design and operation of these biotechnological systems.

This Special Issue covers all the current scientific progress and development toward the diverse application of BESs as a green technology.

Dr. Deepak Pant
Dr. Andrea Schievano
Guest Editors

Keywords

  • Bioelectrochemistry: microbial degradation
  • Microbial electrosynthesis
  • Electrode composition: synthesis
  • Exocellular electron transfer
  • Terminal electron acceptor
  • Cathodic reaction
  • Immobilized microbial fuel cell
  • Microbial ecology
  • Microbial proteomics
  • Metatranscriptomics
  • Microbial electrolysis
  • Cell design and operation

Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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1425 KiB  
Article
Development and Long-Term Stability of a Novel Microbial Fuel Cell BOD Sensor with MnO2 Catalyst
by Shailesh Kharkwal, Yi Chao Tan, Min Lu and How Yong Ng
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2017, 18(2), 276; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms18020276 - 28 Jan 2017
Cited by 36 | Viewed by 5883
Abstract
A novel microbial fuel cell (MFC)-based biosensor was designed for continuous monitoring of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) in real wastewater. To lower the material cost, manganese dioxide (MnO2) was tested as an innovative cathode catalyst for oxygen reduction in a single [...] Read more.
A novel microbial fuel cell (MFC)-based biosensor was designed for continuous monitoring of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) in real wastewater. To lower the material cost, manganese dioxide (MnO2) was tested as an innovative cathode catalyst for oxygen reduction in a single chamber air-cathode MFC, and two different crystalline structures obtained during synthesis of MnO2 (namely β- and γ-MnO2) were compared. The BOD sensor was studied in a comprehensive way, using both sodium acetate solution and real domestic wastewater (DWW). The optimal performance of the sensor was obtained with a β-MnO2 catalyst, with R2 values of 0.99 and 0.98 using sodium acetate solution and DWW, respectively. The BOD values predicted by the β-MnO2 biosensor for DWW were in agreement with the BOD5 values, determined according to standard methods, with slight variations in the range from 3% to 12%. Finally, the long-term stability of the BOD biosensor was evaluated over 1.5 years. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of an MFC BOD sensor using an MnO2 catalyst at the cathode; the feasibility of using a low-cost catalyst in an MFC for online measurement of BOD in real wastewater broadens the scope of applications for such devices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioelectrochemical Systems)
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3315 KiB  
Article
Competition between Methanogens and Acetogens in Biocathodes: A Comparison between Potentiostatic and Galvanostatic Control
by Sam D. Molenaar, Pradip Saha, Annemerel R. Mol, Tom H. J. A. Sleutels, Annemiek Ter Heijne and Cees J. N. Buisman
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2017, 18(1), 204; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms18010204 - 19 Jan 2017
Cited by 43 | Viewed by 6925
Abstract
Microbial electrosynthesis is a useful form of technology for the renewable production of organic commodities from biologically catalyzed reduction of CO2. However, for the technology to become applicable, process selectivity, stability and efficiency need strong improvement. Here we report on the [...] Read more.
Microbial electrosynthesis is a useful form of technology for the renewable production of organic commodities from biologically catalyzed reduction of CO2. However, for the technology to become applicable, process selectivity, stability and efficiency need strong improvement. Here we report on the effect of different electrochemical control modes (potentiostatic/galvanostatic) on both the start-up characteristics and steady-state performance of biocathodes using a non-enriched mixed-culture inoculum. Based on our results, it seems that kinetic differences exist between the two dominant functional microbial groups (i.e., homoacetogens and methanogens) and that by applying different current densities, these differences may be exploited to steer product selectivity and reactor performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioelectrochemical Systems)
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1539 KiB  
Article
Influence of Anode Potentials on Current Generation and Extracellular Electron Transfer Paths of Geobacter Species
by Souichiro Kato
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2017, 18(1), 108; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms18010108 - 06 Jan 2017
Cited by 22 | Viewed by 6062
Abstract
Geobacter species are capable of utilizing solid-state compounds, including anodic electrodes, as electron acceptors of respiration via extracellular electron transfer (EET) and have attracted considerable attention for their crucial role as biocatalysts of bioelectrochemical systems (BES’s). Recent studies disclosed that anode potentials affect [...] Read more.
Geobacter species are capable of utilizing solid-state compounds, including anodic electrodes, as electron acceptors of respiration via extracellular electron transfer (EET) and have attracted considerable attention for their crucial role as biocatalysts of bioelectrochemical systems (BES’s). Recent studies disclosed that anode potentials affect power output and anodic microbial communities, including selection of dominant Geobacter species, in various BES’s. However, the details in current-generating properties and responses to anode potentials have been investigated only for a model species, namely Geobacter sulfurreducens. In this study, the effects of anode potentials on the current generation and the EET paths were investigated by cultivating six Geobacter species with different anode potentials, followed by electrochemical analyses. The electrochemical cultivation demonstrated that the G. metallireducens clade species (G. sulfurreducens and G. metallireducens) constantly generate high current densities at a wide range of anode potentials (≥−0.3 or −0.2 V vs. Ag/AgCl), while the subsurface clades species (G. daltonii, G. bemidjensis, G. chapellei, and G. pelophilus) generate a relatively large current only at limited potential regions (−0.1 to −0.3 V vs. Ag/AgCl). The linear sweep voltammetry analyses indicated that the G. metallireducens clade species utilize only one EET path irrespective of the anode potentials, while the subsurface clades species utilize multiple EET paths, which can be optimized depending on the anode potentials. These results clearly demonstrate that the response features to anode potentials are divergent among species (or clades) of Geobacter. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioelectrochemical Systems)
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3322 KiB  
Article
A Multiple Reaction Modelling Framework for Microbial Electrochemical Technologies
by Tolutola Oyetunde, Priyangshu M. Sarma, Farrukh Ahmad and Jorge Rodríguez
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2017, 18(1), 86; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms18010086 - 04 Jan 2017
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4976
Abstract
A mathematical model for the theoretical evaluation of microbial electrochemical technologies (METs) is presented that incorporates a detailed physico-chemical framework, includes multiple reactions (both at the electrodes and in the bulk phase) and involves a variety of microbial functional groups. The model is [...] Read more.
A mathematical model for the theoretical evaluation of microbial electrochemical technologies (METs) is presented that incorporates a detailed physico-chemical framework, includes multiple reactions (both at the electrodes and in the bulk phase) and involves a variety of microbial functional groups. The model is applied to two theoretical case studies: (i) A microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) for continuous anodic volatile fatty acids (VFA) oxidation and cathodic VFA reduction to alcohols, for which the theoretical system response to changes in applied voltage and VFA feed ratio (anode-to-cathode) as well as membrane type are investigated. This case involves multiple parallel electrode reactions in both anode and cathode compartments; (ii) A microbial fuel cell (MFC) for cathodic perchlorate reduction, in which the theoretical impact of feed flow rates and concentrations on the overall system performance are investigated. This case involves multiple electrode reactions in series in the cathode compartment. The model structure captures interactions between important system variables based on first principles and provides a platform for the dynamic description of METs involving electrode reactions both in parallel and in series and in both MFC and MEC configurations. Such a theoretical modelling approach, largely based on first principles, appears promising in the development and testing of MET control and optimization strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioelectrochemical Systems)
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2066 KiB  
Article
New Electrochemically-Modified Carbon Paste Inclusion β-Cyclodextrin and Carbon Nanotubes Sensors for Quantification of Dorzolamide Hydrochloride
by Nawal Ahmad Alarfaj and Maha Farouk El-Tohamy
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2016, 17(12), 2027; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms17122027 - 02 Dec 2016
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 5092
Abstract
The present article introduces a new approach to fabricate carbon paste sensors, including carbon paste, modified carbon paste inclusion β-cyclodextrin, and carbon nanotubes for the quantification of dorzolamide hydrochloride (DRZ). This study is mainly based on the construction of three different carbon paste [...] Read more.
The present article introduces a new approach to fabricate carbon paste sensors, including carbon paste, modified carbon paste inclusion β-cyclodextrin, and carbon nanotubes for the quantification of dorzolamide hydrochloride (DRZ). This study is mainly based on the construction of three different carbon paste sensors by the incorporation of DRZ with phosphotungstic acid (PTA) to form dorzolamide-phosphotungstate (DRZ-PT) as an electroactive material in the presence of the solvent mediator ortho-nitrophenyloctyl ether (o-NPOE). The fabricated conventional carbon paste sensor (sensor I), as well as the other modified carbon paste sensors using β-cyclodextrin (sensor II) and carbon nanotubes (sensor III), have been investigated. The sensors displayed Nernstian responses of 55.4 ± 0.6, 56.4 ± 0.4 and 58.1 ± 0.2 mV·decade−1 over concentration ranges of 1.0 × 10−5–1.0 × 10−2, 1.0 × 10−6–1.0 × 10−2, and 5.0 × 10−8–1.0 × 10−2 mol·L−1 with lower detection limits of 5.0 × 10−6, 5.0 × 10−7, and 2.5 × 10−9 mol·L−1 for sensors I, II, and III, respectively. The critical performance of the developed sensors was checked with respect to the effect of various parameters, including pH, selectivity, response time, linear concentration relationship, lifespan, etc. Method validation was applied according to the international conference on harmonisation of technical requirements for registration of pharmaceuticals for human use ICH guidelines. The developed sensors were employed for the determination of DRZ in its bulk and dosage forms, as well as bio-samples. The observed data were statistically analyzed and compared with those obtained from other published methods. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioelectrochemical Systems)
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980 KiB  
Article
Enhancing Signal Output and Avoiding BOD/Toxicity Combined Shock Interference by Operating a Microbial Fuel Cell Sensor with an Optimized Background Concentration of Organic Matter
by Yong Jiang, Peng Liang, Panpan Liu, Yanhong Bian, Bo Miao, Xueliang Sun, Helan Zhang and Xia Huang
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2016, 17(9), 1392; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms17091392 - 24 Aug 2016
Cited by 35 | Viewed by 5320
Abstract
In the monitoring of pollutants in an aquatic environment, it is important to preserve water quality safety. Among the available analysis methods, the microbial fuel cell (MFC) sensor has recently been used as a sustainable and on-line electrochemical microbial biosensor for biochemical oxygen [...] Read more.
In the monitoring of pollutants in an aquatic environment, it is important to preserve water quality safety. Among the available analysis methods, the microbial fuel cell (MFC) sensor has recently been used as a sustainable and on-line electrochemical microbial biosensor for biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and toxicity, respectively. However, the effect of the background organic matter concentration on toxicity monitoring when using an MFC sensor is not clear and there is no effective strategy available to avoid the signal interference by the combined shock of BOD and toxicity. Thus, the signal interference by the combined shock of BOD and toxicity was systematically studied in this experiment. The background organic matter concentration was optimized in this study and it should be fixed at a high level of oversaturation for maximizing the signal output when the current change (ΔI) is selected to correlate with the concentration of a toxic agent. When the inhibition ratio (IR) is selected, on the other hand, it should be fixed as low as possible near the detection limit for maximizing the signal output. At least two MFC sensors operated with high and low organic matter concentrations and a response chart generated from pre-experiment data were both required to make qualitative distinctions of the four types of combined shock caused by a sudden change in BOD and toxicity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioelectrochemical Systems)
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3277 KiB  
Article
A Terrestrial Microbial Fuel Cell for Powering a Single-Hop Wireless Sensor Network
by Daxing Zhang, Yingmin Zhu, Witold Pedrycz and Yongxian Guo
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2016, 17(5), 762; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms17050762 - 18 May 2016
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 7112
Abstract
Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are envisioned as one of the most promising alternative renewable energy sources because they can generate electric current continuously while treating waste. Terrestrial Microbial Fuel Cells (TMFCs) can be inoculated and work on the use of soil, which further [...] Read more.
Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are envisioned as one of the most promising alternative renewable energy sources because they can generate electric current continuously while treating waste. Terrestrial Microbial Fuel Cells (TMFCs) can be inoculated and work on the use of soil, which further extends the application areas of MFCs. Energy supply, as a primary influential factor determining the lifetime of Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) nodes, remains an open challenge in sensor networks. In theory, sensor nodes powered by MFCs have an eternal life. However, low power density and high internal resistance of MFCs are two pronounced problems in their operation. A single-hop WSN powered by a TMFC experimental setup was designed and experimented with. Power generation performance of the proposed TMFC, the relationships between the performance of the power generation and the environment temperature, the water content of the soil by weight were measured by experiments. Results show that the TMFC can achieve good power generation performance under special environmental conditions. Furthermore, the experiments with sensor data acquisition and wireless transmission of the TMFC powering WSN were carried out. We demonstrate that the obtained experimental results validate the feasibility of TMFCs powering WSNs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioelectrochemical Systems)
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Review

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3732 KiB  
Review
On the Edge of Research and Technological Application: A Critical Review of Electromethanogenesis
by Ramiro Blasco-Gómez, Pau Batlle-Vilanova, Marianna Villano, Maria Dolors Balaguer, Jesús Colprim and Sebastià Puig
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2017, 18(4), 874; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms18040874 - 20 Apr 2017
Cited by 151 | Viewed by 10358
Abstract
The conversion of electrical current into methane (electromethanogenesis) by microbes represents one of the most promising applications of bioelectrochemical systems (BES). Electromethanogenesis provides a novel approach to waste treatment, carbon dioxide fixation and renewable energy storage into a chemically stable compound, such as [...] Read more.
The conversion of electrical current into methane (electromethanogenesis) by microbes represents one of the most promising applications of bioelectrochemical systems (BES). Electromethanogenesis provides a novel approach to waste treatment, carbon dioxide fixation and renewable energy storage into a chemically stable compound, such as methane. This has become an important area of research since it was first described, attracting different research groups worldwide. Basics of the process such as microorganisms involved and main reactions are now much better understood, and recent advances in BES configuration and electrode materials in lab-scale enhance the interest in this technology. However, there are still some gaps that need to be filled to move towards its application. Side reactions or scaling-up issues are clearly among the main challenges that need to be overcome to its further development. This review summarizes the recent advances made in the field of electromethanogenesis to address the main future challenges and opportunities of this novel process. In addition, the present fundamental knowledge is critically reviewed and some insights are provided to identify potential niche applications and help researchers to overcome current technological boundaries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioelectrochemical Systems)
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3972 KiB  
Review
Three-Dimensional Electrodes for High-Performance Bioelectrochemical Systems
by Yang-Yang Yu, Dan-Dan Zhai, Rong-Wei Si, Jian-Zhong Sun, Xiang Liu and Yang-Chun Yong
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2017, 18(1), 90; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms18010090 - 04 Jan 2017
Cited by 74 | Viewed by 6983
Abstract
Bioelectrochemical systems (BES) are groups of bioelectrochemical technologies and platforms that could facilitate versatile environmental and biological applications. The performance of BES is mainly determined by the key process of electron transfer at the bacteria and electrode interface, which is known as extracellular [...] Read more.
Bioelectrochemical systems (BES) are groups of bioelectrochemical technologies and platforms that could facilitate versatile environmental and biological applications. The performance of BES is mainly determined by the key process of electron transfer at the bacteria and electrode interface, which is known as extracellular electron transfer (EET). Thus, developing novel electrodes to encourage bacteria attachment and enhance EET efficiency is of great significance. Recently, three-dimensional (3D) electrodes, which provide large specific area for bacteria attachment and macroporous structures for substrate diffusion, have emerged as a promising electrode for high-performance BES. Herein, a comprehensive review of versatile methodology developed for 3D electrode fabrication is presented. This review article is organized based on the categorization of 3D electrode fabrication strategy and BES performance comparison. In particular, the advantages and shortcomings of these 3D electrodes are presented and their future development is discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioelectrochemical Systems)
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2974 KiB  
Review
Metal-Free Carbon-Based Materials: Promising Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Reduction Reaction in Microbial Fuel Cells
by Sandesh Y. Sawant, Thi Hiep Han and Moo Hwan Cho
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2017, 18(1), 25; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms18010025 - 24 Dec 2016
Cited by 64 | Viewed by 6903
Abstract
Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are a promising green approach for wastewater treatment with the simultaneous advantage of energy production. Among the various limiting factors, the cathodic limitation, with respect to performance and cost, is one of the main obstacles to the practical applications [...] Read more.
Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are a promising green approach for wastewater treatment with the simultaneous advantage of energy production. Among the various limiting factors, the cathodic limitation, with respect to performance and cost, is one of the main obstacles to the practical applications of MFCs. Despite the high performance of platinum and other metal-based cathodes, their practical use is limited by their high cost, low stability, and environmental toxicity. Oxygen is the most favorable electron acceptor in the case of MFCs, which reduces to water through a complicated oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Carbon-based ORR catalysts possessing high surface area and good electrical conductivity improve the ORR kinetics by lowering the cathodic overpotential. Recently, a range of carbon-based materials have attracted attention for their exceptional ORR catalytic activity and high stability. Doping the carbon texture with a heteroatom improved their ORR activity remarkably through the favorable adsorption of oxygen and weaker molecular bonding. This review provides better insight into ORR catalysis for MFCs and the properties, performance, and applicability of various metal-free carbon-based electrocatalysts in MFCs to find the most appropriate cathodic catalyst for the practical applications. The approaches for improvement, key challenges, and future opportunities in this field are also explored. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioelectrochemical Systems)
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