New Electrogenic Microbes

Dear Colleagues,

Since the first reports in 1988, more and more microbes have been suggested or identified to be capable of exchanging electrons with extracellular solids as part of their metabolism, referred to as electrogenic bacteria. While some model-bacteria are extensively investigated as living electrode catalysts to drive various valuable reactions for energy and environmental applications, the importance of electrogenic bacteria for ecophysiology is still poorly understood. Furthermore, some human commensal and pathogenic bacteria have been recently identified as electrochemically active, opening up a new realm of potential importance for these organisms in the human microbiome. However, why or how the lifestyle of pathogens and symbionts uses extracellular electron transport remains unknown. Taken together, we are facing an expanding appreciation for the prevalence of electrogenic bacteria, but understanding their role and significance in many ecosystems remains a challenge. Central to tackling this issue is the cultivation of microbes from their wide-ranging environments, and making a detailed catalog for electrogenic microbes and the habitats where they persist. Ultimately this work can fuel future efforts aimed at understanding the role of microbes in diverse environments.

In this Special Issue of Microorganisms, we look forward to receiving your article or review concerning any aspects related to electrogenic microbe except model microbes, Shewanella and Geobacter, including basic characterization for electrochemical or electrophysiological properties in pure cultures, isolation of electrogenic microbe from any microbiome, and chemical or physical analysis on nano-scale structure with redox properties. We encourage the submission of works on novel or previously uncharacterized strains, but logic quality and data quantity are strictly required. Studies about novel isolation or enrichment methods for electrogenic microbe are also welcome for this Special Issue. Review papers that propose the novel role of electrogenic capability will also be considered.

Dr. Akihiro Okamoto
Chief Guest Editor
Dr. Annette Rowe
Guest Editor

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