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Journal of Food Measurement and Characterization • 2026

Abstract Red pepper seeds are an oil-rich by-product of red pepper processing and a promising raw material for functional oils, yet they require an effective decontamination step before use. This study evaluated γ-irradiation (2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0 kGy; ⁶⁰Co source) as a non-thermal decontamination step and assessed its impact on seed microbiology and cold-pressed oil quality. Irradiation at 2.5 kGy reduced initial bacterial and fungal counts by 2.62 and 2.9 log units, respectively, while 5 kGy decreased both to below the detection limit. Oil quality indices showed dose-dependent but technologically limited changes: free fatty acids increased from 0.98% to 1.43% (as oleic acid) and peroxide value from 0.78 to 1.30 meq O₂/kg at 10.0 kGy. Antioxidant activity decreased progressively from 39.15 to 21.22 µmol Trolox/g oil with increasing dose. The fatty acid profile remained linoleic-acid–rich (C18:2 ≈ 72.5% in control vs. 72.22% at 10.0 kGy), with only minor shifts in major fatty acids. Total sterols were 8099.28 mg/kg in control oil, increased slightly up to 7.5 kGy, and declined at 10.0 kGy. Overall, γ-irradiation at 5.0–7.5 kGy achieved effective microbial decontamination with limited deterioration of oil quality, supporting its potential as a pre-treatment for safe red pepper seed valorization.

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Cell Death & Disease • 2026

Abstract Resistance to paclitaxel-based chemotherapy represents a major clinic challenge in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Insights on the regulation genes of chemoresistance and underlying mechanisms in TNBC are waiting for in-depth investigation to address the current treatment bottlenecks. In this study, we identified that ubiquitin carboxyl terminal hydrolase-L1 (UCH-L1) was preferentially overexpressed in TNBC and correlated with worse prognosis as well as poor response to chemotherapy. Upregulation of UCH-L1 attenuated the inhibitory effect of paclitaxel on tumor cells through modulating the aerobic glycolysis, while knockdown of UCH-L1 increased the responsiveness of TNBC cells to the drug both in vitro and in vivo. Coimmunoprecipitation results revealed that the N terminal of UCH-L1 interacts with the C-terminal domain of pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2). UCH-L1 stabilized PKM2 via removing K48-linked polyubiquitination of PKM2 protein at K498, and thereby promoting glycolysis. Moreover, the expression levels of UCH-L1 and PKM2 were elevated in paclitaxel-resistant TNBC cells, and inhibition of UCH-L1/PKM2 axis-mediated glycolysis markedly sensitized the cells to paclitaxel treatment. Meanwhile, high expression of PKM2 was associated with shorter overall survival in TNBC patients who received chemotherapy. Clinically, PKM2 expression is positively correlated with the expression of UCH-L1 in TNBC tissues. In conclusion, our study reveals that high-expressed UCH-L1 was one of the biomarkers predicting and determining chemosensitivities of TNBC by advancing the cleavage of K48-linked polyubiquitin chains from PKM2 and enhancing glycolysis, and suggests that targeting UCH-L1/PKM2 axis holds great promise for reversing chemoresistance.

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Scientific Reports • 2026

Abstract This study investigates the influence of three deciduous tree species: small-leaved linden ( Tilia cordata ), common beech ( Fagus sylvatica ), and sessile oak ( Quercus petraea ) on soil microbial diversity in temperate forest ecosystems. Conducted on loess soils in southern Poland, the research clarifies species-specific effects on soil microbiota and chemical properties, providing insights into tree-microbe-soil interactions in forest environments. Soil samples were collected from monospecific stands and analysed using next-generation sequencing (NGS). Fungal and bacterial DNA was extracted, and libraries targeting the ITS1 (fungi) and 16 S rRNA V3–V4 (bacteria) regions were sequenced using the Illumina MiSeq platform. Microbial communities were evaluated in relation to soil pH, nutrient content, and exchangeable cations. Linden soils had the highest pH (5.1–7.0) and calcium content (18.9 cmol(+)·kg⁻¹), while beech soils were the most acidic (pH 3.8–5.7) with the lowest calcium (8.0 cmol(+)·kg⁻¹). Fungal communities were dominated by Basidiomycota, Ascomycota, and Mortierellomycota, with varying proportions across species. Bacterial diversity was highest in linden and oak stands. Dominant bacterial phyla included Actinobacteriota, Proteobacteria, and Acidobacteriota. Each tree species hosted a distinct microbial community, reflecting its impact on soil properties and microbial structure. Tree species significantly shape soil microbial diversity and chemistry. Incorporating microbial data into forest management may enhance soil function, biodiversity conservation, and ecosystem resilience. Broader spatial sampling is recommended to generalize findings.

Archives of microbiology • 2026

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.

Environmental science & technology • 2026

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) utilize electroactive microbes to oxidize organics for electricity generation, yet their wastewater treatment application is still hindered by inefficient energy recovery, high cost, and hydraulic limitations, with separator configurations crucially influencing system viability. This study developed a cost-effective conductive dynamic membrane separator (CDMS) with carbon felt, stainless-steel mesh, and fiberglass cloth as a bifunctional separator-biocathode, enhancing MFC's performance through increased electrode surface area and optimized hydrodynamics for continuous-flow treatment. Integrating CDMS as a biocathode significantly boosted power output, achieving 24.5 ± 1.5 W/m 3 volumetric and 2.5 ± 0.2 W/m 2 areal power densities at the steady stage, with advantages persisting despite degradation due to cathode performance being the principal determinant of MFC functionality. Comparative analysis indicated that both CDMS and carbon brush cathodes played indispensable roles in sustaining dual-cathode MFC high-performance and stability. The bifunctional CDMS in dual-cathode MFC established a self-reinforcing cycle of substrate limitation, oxygen allocation, and electron transfer optimization, fundamentally addressing the stability-performance trade-off in the MFC system. Material-energy balance analysis revealed that the dual-cathode MFC system achieved net positive energy production (+3.12 Wh/m 3 ) from artificial wastewater with much lower capital costs than traditional configurations, advancing scalable MFC design for energy-positive wastewater treatment and practical applications.

Environmental science & technology • 2026

Aerosol composition, size, and deposition rate determine the impact these particles have on cryosphere environments. Mineralogical, biological, and geochemical characteristics of aerosols collected over two years from the southwest Greenland Ice Sheet indicate that aerosols delivered via dry deposition and in snow primarily consisted of silicate minerals, with mean particle diameters of 1.01 ± 1.58 μm (2016) and 0.76 ± 0.87 μm (2017) for dry deposition and 2.4 ± 3.2 μm for dust delivered in snow (2017). The rare earth element signature of the delivered dust was typical of nearby Greenlandic lithologies, and combining this with other geochemical results and airmass history modeling indicated that the airborne mineral dust collected on-ice was likely from local emission sources, namely nearby proglacial plains. Dust and snow deposition rates were used to estimate phosphorus delivery to the ice surface at a rate of 1.2 mg·m -2 ·year -1 , which could fuel estimated pigmented glacier ice algal cell abundances of 8.6 × 10 3 cells·mL -1 , a value consistent with glacier ice algal bloom cell densities documented in the region. The eukaryotic communities in air and snow samples were dominated by algae and fungi, respectively, with both sample types also hosting various bacteria. These results suggest that the airborne transfer of glacier ice and snow algae may be a method by which fresh cryosphere surfaces become inoculated with these pigmented organisms. Collectively, these findings highlight the biogeochemical links between aerosols and the ice sheet surface, which have impacts on glacier ice algal growth and the corresponding surface ice albedo and melting.

Folia microbiologica • 2026

Urbanization has intensified the demand for different sustainable energy-generating solutions. One promising approach is the treatment of wastewater using electrochemical setups. A microbial fuel cell (MFC), an electrochemical setup, can be highly effective for wastewater treatment as it simultaneously generates bioelectricity. This study focuses on the isolation, characterization, and evaluation of electrogenic fungal species from wastewater samples (WWS) collected from the Uttarakhand region. Using the potentiostat, an electrochemical workstation, we screened a total of 70 different fungal isolates and identified 10 distinct fungal strains as potent current generators. Morphological characterization of these strains revealed several fungal structures, including hyphae and spores. The most potent fungi were further analyzed based on Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) amplification and genomic sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. The obtained sequences were subjected to Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) analysis, and the corresponding fungal isolates were assigned genus names after comparison with representative sequences available in GeneBank. ITS sequencing for the top three potent fungi revealed their highest resemblance to Aspergillus flavus (99.09%), Diaporthe caryae isolate KM 19 (96.18%), and Montagnula donacina (100.00%). Among these, the strain closely related to Aspergillus flavus demonstrated the highest current output. This isolate has been successfully submitted to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database under the accession number PX226319. The selected strain will be integrated into a dual-chambered microbial fuel cell (DC-MFC) system to evaluate its bioelectric performance under optimized conditions. Overall, this research established a foundation for identifying the potent fungal strains from local microbial communities present in wastewater for sustainable energy production.

Environmental research • 2026

The OneWater paradigm emphasizes integrated and circular management of water resources, promoting technologies that simultaneously address water scarcity, energy demand, and environmental sustainability. Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) support these objectives by converting organic pollutants into renewable bioelectricity while treating wastewater. In this study, high-performance bioanodes based on polypyrrole-titanium dioxide (PPy-TiO 2 ) nanocomposites were developed on nickel foam (PPy-TiO 2 /NF) and graphite sheet (PPy- TiO 2 /GS) substrates to enhance electrochemical activity and microbial electron transfer. Comprehensive structural characterization (XRD, FTIR, SEM, TEM, SAED, EDX) confirmed the uniform incorporation of anatase-phase TiO 2 within a conductive PPy matrix, forming a porous and electroactive surface. Electrochemical analyses revealed significantly reduced charge-transfer resistance and enhanced pseudocapacitive behavior for PPy-TiO 2 /NF, which translated into superior MFC performance. When operated with Citrobacter freundii, the PPy- TiO 2 /NF anode achieved a peak voltage of 998 ± 10 mV, maximum power density of 2411 ± 30 mW/m 2 , current density of 2416 ± 25 mA/m 2 , and high treatment efficiency with 86.40 ± 0.8 % COD removal and 35.56 ± 1.7 % coulombic efficiency. Dense, viable biofilms on the 3D nickel foam scaffold further supported enhanced electron recovery. To assess practical scalability, three PPy-TiO 2 /NF-based MFC units were successfully stacked in series, generating >2.0 V sufficient to illuminate an LED bulb. Following treatment, the effluent was UV-disinfected and safely reused for non-potable applications such as landscape irrigation, demonstrating direct integration of wastewater treatment, energy recovery, and water reuse. These results highlight PPy-TiO 2 -modified electrodes as robust and sustainable candidates for decentralized circular water-energy systems under OneWater frameworks.

Pharmacological research • 2026

Recurrence of high-risk advanced retinoblastoma (RB) is still a major obstacle even after enucleation due to resistance to adjuvant chemotherapy, especially in China. To identify any germline alterations or candidate genes associated with RB prognosis, we obtained whole-exome sequencing (WES) and reduced-representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS) profiles by using patient peripheral blood samples, followed by clinical validation and functional characterization. For follow-up studies, we selected 17 candidate genes from the WES and RRBS analyses. Among them, MBD4, which carries a germline loss-of-function mutation (rs140693), was identified for further clinical replication. MBD4 downregulation significantly impaired carboplatin or etoposide efficacy in vitro and in vivo, respectively. There were marked decreases in the expression of 5 related genes plus increased DNA methylation in their promoters in Y79 (MBD4 -/- ) cells, along with even more significant effects after carboplatin treatment. MBD4 affected the transcription and expression of its downstream genes, such as FADD and P21, via MBDCap-PCR, ChIPqPCR, and reporter gene assays. Moreover, the germline mutation was responsible for MBD4 instability with attenuated binding to USP7, thereby leading to impaired drug sensitivity. It was confirmed by the reinstated susceptibility of Y79 (MBD4 -/- ) cells after MBD4-WT was restored. In the present study, our findings indicate that depletion or mutation of MBD4 interferes with the activation of the cell cycle and apoptosis via epigenetic regulation, thereby reducing drug susceptibility. It provides new insights into the role in RB chemoresistance of MBD4 as an epigenetic regulator, which might fuel the development of new RB-targeted strategies.

Journal of the Royal Society, Interface • 2026

Graphene-based self-powered sensors are emerging as a powerful solution for real-time health-monitoring and autonomous sensing systems. Owing to graphene's exceptional electrical conductivity, flexibility and biocompatibility, these sensors can function without external power, drawing energy from mechanical, thermal or biochemical sources. This perspective highlights key advancements in energy-harvesting strategies, including triboelectric and piezoelectric nanogenerators (TENGs and PENGs), as well as biofuel cells (BFCs), where graphene significantly enhances charge transfer and power output. The integration of graphene into nanocomposite architectures through scalable techniques such as pressure spinning improves surface area, sensing efficiency and manufacturability. Functional modifications using metal nanoparticles and conducting polymers have further advanced sensor stability and specificity, enabling accurate biomarker detection in complex biological human body fluids. Practical implementations in wearable electronics, implantable devices and smart environmental systems demonstrate the real-world impact of these innovations. The role of graphene-based materials extends beyond healthcare into robotics and soft electronics, where its properties support the development of self-powered, skin-like interfaces. As research continues to address scalability, long-term stability and miniaturization, graphene-based biosensors are expected to become central components in next-generation bioelectronic platforms. This article provides a forward-looking perspective on how graphene is shaping the future of autonomous, intelligent and user-centred sensing technologies.

bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology • 2026

Microbial-derived short-chain fatty acids regulate a variety of pathways in the healthy colonic mucosa. In particular, butyrate serves as the primary energy source for colonocytes and regulates gene transcription by stabilizing the transcription factor hypoxia-inducible-factors (HIF) and functioning as a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor. A limitation of butyrate as a therapeutic is its rapid metabolism in differentiated colonocytes. Furthermore, intestinal stem cells (ISCs) respond differently to butyrate, preferentially using glucose for energy procurement. To address these limitations, we explored metabolite-mimicry to discover compounds with potent or selective biological responses within the butyrate pathway(s). We discovered an analog, 3-chlorobutyrate (3-Cl BA), that significantly enhances epithelial barrier formation and wound healing in vitro. Mechanistically, we revealed that 3-Cl BA is a potent HDAC inhibitor. Furthermore, unlike butyrate, 3-Cl BA does not stabilize HIF and it is not used as metabolic fuel. In vivo studies in a DSS-colitis model revealed that contrary to butyrate, 3-Cl BA is protective. Studies in stem-like colonoids demonstrated that only butyrate inhibits ISC proliferation and differentiation. Furthermore, it was recently reported that HIF stabilization inhibits ISCs activity. Given the fact that butyrate but not 3-Cl BA stabilizes HIF, we surmised that 3-Cl BA would circumvent these detrimental functional consequences. We demonstrate here that pharmacologic HIF stabilization inhibits colonoid differentiation and that genetic loss of HIF significantly promotes ISC differentiation. This study reveals a promising butyrate analog protective in colitis and demonstrates the advantages of metabolite-mimicry to dissect selective biological functions from major metabolites in the gut.

Bioresource technology • 2026

Soil microbial fuel cells (SMFCs) offer a promising platform for soil-powered biosensing, but their performance relies on effective electroactive bacterial colonization of the anode. To improve this, four wood types were assessed as porous bio-scaffolds, examining their surface area, pore structure, and microarchitecture before and after carbonization. Basswood showed the most advantageous structure, with uniformly distributed vessels and aligned channels that remained intact after carbonization. The resulting carbonized basswood (CBW) anode exhibited a higher surface area, improved conductivity (12-13.5 mS/cm), and reduced internal resistance. When used in SMFCs, CBW achieved a maximum power density of 30 mW/m 2 approximately four times higher than non-carbonized carbon felt (NCF) and expanded the heavy-metal detection range by ∼35%. CBW also supported dense, diverse biofilms and maintained stable output for 180 days. These results highlight carbonized basswood as a cost-effective, robust anode material for long-term, self-powered environmental biosensing.

Bioresource technology • 2026

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) has broad environmental applications, yet its inherent poor conductivity limits its utility in microbial fuel cell (MFC). This study addressed the need for cost-effective and conductive PET-supported materials. In this study, PET-supported three-dimensional materials were used as a substrate, introducing the conductive coating layer that enhanced hydrophilicity, electrochemically active surface area, and decreased charge transfer resistance. The PET-supported cathode modified with polypyrrole (PPy) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) achieved a maximal power density (758.2 mW/m 2 ) with long-term operational stability for 4 months. The PET/PPy/CNTs cathode exhibited 2.23-fold higher nitrate removal efficiency than carbon felt cathode. Notably, the average viability of biofilm on the internal surface of PET/PPy/CNTs (63.5%) was 2.89-fold higher than carbon felt. Furthermore, the PET/PPy/CNTs demonstrated significant cost-effectiveness with a cost of approximately $2.04/m 2 . Considering the superior bioelectrochemical performance, low costs, and low life cycle environmental impacts, the PET-supported cathode demonstrates notable potential for enhancing MFC performance.

Environmental research • 2026

Traditional electro-Fenton (EF) is efficacious for antibiotics removal but faces challenges like high energy demand, operational cost and the use of homogeneous catalysts that lead to secondary pollution and sludge generation by iron leaching. Microbial fuel cell (MFC)-power-driven Fenton offers a sustainable and green alternative by simultaneously producing electricity, beneficial for pollutant degradation. Herein, MIL-88B(Fe) supported on laser-induced graphene (MOF-LIG) composite cathode was fabricated via a single-step process and utilized in an MFC-Fenton process for the removal of antibiotic ciprofloxacin (CIP) wastewater. The MOF-LIG cathode facilitated in situ H 2 O 2 generation (3.22 ± 0.075 mg L -1 ), 1.20 and 1.50 folds more than bare LIG and carbon felt (CF) electrodes, respectively. Thus, achieving 95.3 ± 3.0 % CIP removal during 180 min, following pseudo-first-order kinetics (k = 0.0155 min -1 ). Over 90 % of CIP abatement was noticed at acidic and neutral pH, whereas higher external resistance and pollutant doses inhibit the efficiency. Besides, a 42.4 ± 2.4 % reduction in total organic carbon was observed, revealing partial mineralization of CIP and its intermediates. The system attained a power density and coulombic efficiency of 250.2 ± 14.3 mWm -2 and 18.3 ± 1.1 %, respectively. The MOF-LIG cathode demonstrated superior stability, antifouling resistance, and efficient reusability, with minimal iron leaching. Importantly, 90.7 ± 3.6 % CIP removal was also achieved in secondary-treated real wastewater, validating the practical applicability of the process. Thus, integrating energy-positive MFC with stable, antifouling, and scalable single-step LIG electrodes, a cost-effective alternative to the EF process, advancing real-scenario pharmaceutical wastewater treatment can be achieved.

The Lancet. Respiratory medicine • 2026

Chronic respiratory diseases are an important global issue, particularly in Asia, where burden patterns vary widely across countries. With more than half the world's population living in Asia, understanding the national and regional burden of chronic respiratory diseases is essential; however, research on this area remains inadequate. We aimed to investigate the burden of chronic respiratory diseases in Asia at national and regional levels, and to identify key risk factors.

Journal of microbiological methods • 2026

In nature, bacteria have two different growth modes: a unicellular life stage, in which the cells are free-moving (planktonic), and a multicellular life stage wherein the cells are immobile and reside within a biofilm structure, composed of a complex network of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). The EPS contribute to the distinctive characteristics of the biofilm's lifestyle, environmental degradation, as well as virulence and antibiotic resistance. The present review critically analyses the functional significance of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), characteristics of biofilms and nanoparticle-biofilm interactions for the removal of emerging environmental contaminants. Nanoparticles can also function as emulsifiers, enhancing bioavailability by providing droplet surfaces that facilitate microbial attachment and promote microbial proliferation. The enhancement of certain biofilms through positive interactions with nanoparticles will enable the design of systems that facilitate the development of cost-effective alternatives of interest, including enhanced bioremediation, biodegradation, oil spill mitigation, and improved microbial fuel cell (MFC) performance. Nano-bioremediation is effective across a wide range of emerging environmental contaminants such as PAHs, chlorinated compounds, pHthalates, plastic heavy metals, etc. and provides a sustainable alternative to conventional remediation approaches.

Bioresource technology • 2026

The prohibitive cost of platinum-based cathodes remains a primary constraint on scaling microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) for renewable hydrogen (H 2 ) production. This work addresses this barrier by developing a high-performance, cost-efficient cathode composed of a Fe 3 O 4 -intercalated graphene oxide nanocomposite on 3D nickel foam (Fe 3 O 4 -GO@NF). The electrode exhibits hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) kinetics comparable to Pt/C, evidenced by a low Tafel slope (57.91 mV·dec -1 ) and minimal charge-transfer resistance. In single-chamber MECs fed with sewage sludge, the Fe 3 O 4 -GO@NF cathode delivers a sustained H 2 production rate of 49.79 mL·L -1 ·day -1 and achieves a remarkable electrical energy efficiency (η e ) of 202 % at 0.9 V. Microbial community analysis, The next-generation sequencing (NGS) of the biofilm revealed a diverse microbial consortium dominated by polysaccharide-degrading taxa (Bacteroidetes phylum) and key exoelectrogens such as Geobacter species, indicating synergistic biocatalysis. This work establishes Fe 3 O 4 -GO@NF as a durable, non-precious catalyst that enables efficient H 2 generation from waste, providing a viable pathway for scalable bio-electrochemical energy systems.

Bioresource technology • 2026

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are promising for antibiotic wastewater treatment because their ability to simultaneously remove pollutants and generate electricity. However, high antibiotic concentrations can inhibit electricity generation and pollutant removal while promoting the proliferation of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). A three-chamber electrosorption-microbial fuel cell (ES-MFC) coupled system was developed for tetracycline (TC) removal and ARGs mitigation, in which the ES unit was directly powered by the MFC unit. The MFC-driven ES process enhanced TC accumulation on the electrode surface and strengthened interfacial chemical interactions. Meanwhile, the ES pre-treatment effectively maintained the abundance and activity of electroactive microorganisms, preserving the anodic electron transfer capacity. The ES-MFC exhibited stable electricity generation with a maximum power density of 2.56 W/m 3 and achieved efficient TC removal (98.24%), while significantly reducing the abundance of seven ARGs. This study provides a technical basis for efficient, low-energy treatment of antibiotic-containing wastewater and mitigation of ARGs dissemination.

Membranes • 2026

This study developed a novel worm-assisted membrane bioelectrochemical reactor (W-MBER) that integrates aquatic worms and a single-chamber sediment microbial fuel cell into a membrane bioreactor (MBR) to address challenges in energy recovery, sludge reduction, and membrane fouling. The system achieved a stable output of 290 mV at an external resistance of 250 Ω and a maximum power density of 0.013 W/m 2 while maintaining high removal efficiencies for chemical oxygen demand (93.57%) and ammonia nitrogen (98.61%). Furthermore, the TN removal efficiency was 12.93% higher than that in the conventional MBR (C-MBR), attributed to the anodic anoxic microenvironment. The synergy of worm predation and the bioelectrochemical process reduced sludge production by 28.51% and extended the filtration cycle by 43.75%, indicating significant sludge reduction and membrane fouling mitigation. Mechanistic analysis revealed that the W-MBER system decreased protein content and protein/polysaccharide ratios in soluble microbial products (SMPs) and extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs), and the hydrophobicity of SMPs, EPSs, and sludge flocs was reduced, resulting in a lower free energy for their interaction with membrane. The foulants in the W-MBER encountered higher energy barriers and lower secondary energy minimums when approaching the membrane, indicating a lower membrane fouling propensity. These results demonstrate the promise of W-MBER for sustainable wastewater treatment.

Bioresource technology • 2026

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are regarded as an eco-friendly processes for bioelectricity generation and simultaneously treating wastewater. Nonetheless, MFCs have a significant limitation, constant supply of organics needed for microbial oxidation. In this context, plant microbial fuel cells (PMFCs) play an essential role in addressing this problem. Root exudates containing organic acids and sugars act as continuous electron donors that are metabolized by electrogenic microbes such as Geobacter to drive extracellular electron transfer, while nitrogen-transforming taxa such as Nitrosomonas link substrate oxidation with nitrogen cycling. The present review explores the multiple functions of PMFCs in the concurrent production of energy along with environmental restoration. It outlines the fundamental principles of PMFCs, emphasizing plant selection, microbial diversity, and electrode design as key factors affecting performance. The review also discussed about plant-microbe-electrode interactions in bioelectrogenesis, highlighting their potential in wastewater treatment, soil restoration, and precision agriculture. Furthermore, the review evaluates scalability challenges, including electrochemical limitations, design constraints, and field-level performance in pilot studies. By integrating renewable energy generation with ecosystem services, PMFCs align strongly with multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), particularly in clean energy, water purification, sustainable agriculture, and climate action. Future advancements in materials science, modular designs, and plant-microbe interactions are essential for translating PMFCs from laboratory prototypes into scalable, multifunctional systems for sustainable development.

Bioresource technology • 2026

The persistence of antibiotics and nanoparticles in aquatic ecosystems poses a significant threat and complicates their removal, a challenge exacerbated by their coexistence. To address this issue, constructed wetland-microbial fuel cell (CW-MFC) systems were established not only to investigate the impact of sulfadiazine (SDZ) and copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) coexistence on system performance but, more importantly, to reveal removal mechanisms. Co-exposure suppressed chemical oxygen demand (COD) and nitrogen removal in the CW-MFC by 18.1% and 18.8%, respectively. The extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) concentration at the cathode of the CW-MFC co-exposed to SDZ and CuO NPs reached 423.10 mg g -1 , enhancing Cu accumulation. Through spatial migration and separation, the CW-MFC achieved high removal efficiencies of 93.8% for SDZ and 94.9% for Cu, with spatial accumulation (51.6% of SDZ at the anode and 33.9% of Cu at the cathode). This "Simultaneous Separation-Removal" process in CW-MFC provides valuable insights into dual-contaminant treatment.

Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) • 2026

Biofuel cells (BFCs) generate electricity by converting chemical energy into electrical energy using biological systems. Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast) is an attractive biocatalyst for BFCs due to its robustness, low cost, and metabolic versatility; however, electron transfer from the intracellular reactions to the electrode is limited by the cell membrane. Nystatin is an antifungal antibiotic that increases the permeability of fungal membranes. We hypothesized that sub-lethal nystatin treatment could enhance mediator-assisted electron transfer without compromising cell viability. In this work, yeast was treated with nystatin during cultivation at concentrations of up to 6 µg/mL and combined with a dual-mediator system consisting of a lipophilic mediator (9,10-phenanthrenequinone, PQ) and a hydrophilic mediator (potassium ferricyanide). Scanning electrochemical microscopy revealed that the dual-mediator system increased local current responses by approximately fivefold compared to a single mediator (from ~11 pA to ~59 pA), and that nystatin-treated yeast exhibited higher local electrochemical activity than untreated yeast (maximum currents of ~0.476 nA versus ~0.303 nA). Microbial fuel cell measurements showed that nystatin treatment increased the maximum power density from approximately 0.58 mW/m 2 to approximately 0.62 mW/m 2 under identical conditions. Nystatin concentrations between 4 and 5 µg/mL maintain yeast viability at near-control levels, while higher concentrations cause a decrease in viability. These results demonstrate that controlled, sub-lethal membrane permeabilization combined with a dual-mediator strategy can enhance electron transfer in yeast-based biofuel cells.

Bioelectrochemistry (Amsterdam, Netherlands) • 2026

To address the global challenges of fossil fuel depletion and climate change, attention has turned to alternative energy sources. Photosynthetic microalgae-based microbial fuel cells (AMFC) have emerged as a promising solution, utilizing bacteria to convert organic matter into energy. This study explores the improvement of electricity generation using single-chamber microalgae-based microbial fuel cells with a modified graphite-photocatalyst air cathode. Modified graphite air cathode using graphite-photocatalyst (TiO 2 and MnO 2 ) was observed to enhance greater power production. The electricity produced by the AMFC system using a 25% TiO 2 -graphite mixture was the best potential air cathode, generating up to 5.56 ± 0.32 mW/m 2 . The higher power density is also obtained using the fabrication of a photocatalyst air cathode. The fabricated air cathode electrocatalyst can play a reasonable cost material for the enriched energy recovery in the AMFC and/or other such electrochemical devices. This study also investigates the power generation performance of algal microbial fuel cells under three electrical configurations: series, parallel, and mixed connection. Parallel connection showed the greatest power density of 23.82 ± 3.72 mW/m 2 among them. However, mixed configuration provided balanced performance, with moderate voltage, current, and power density. From these results, connection type plays an important role in optimizing AMFC performance for specific applications.

Microbial cell factories • 2026

Use of plastics has increased manifold over the last 50 years. Regrettably, their fragmentation into microplastics (MPs) (≤ 5 mm) created environmental and human health concerns. Traditional methods of MPs removal are limited by high energy requirements, high costs, and the use of chemical reagents. Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) provide a sustainable solution for treating wastewater containing MPs while simultaneously generating bioelectricity.

Bioelectrochemistry (Amsterdam, Netherlands) • 2026

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) enable simultaneous wastewater treatment and bioelectricity generation, but their performance is often constrained by poor bacterial adhesion and slow anode electron transfer. Hydroxyapatite (HA) can address these limitations; however, most studies rely on commercial HA and rarely examine biowaste-derived sources or synthesis-route effects. In this study, eggshell-derived HA was synthesized via room-temperature precipitation (CHP) and hydrothermal treatment at 250 °C for 3 h (CHH), then blended with carbon to fabricate composite anodes. Dual-chamber MFCs inoculated with Shewanella putrefaciens were evaluated using electrochemical analyses (CV, EIS, polarization) and biofilm characterization (CFU counts, crystal violet staining, SEM). CHH achieved a peak power density of 0.164 W m -2 , approximately 167% higher than bare carbon and 23-33% higher than carbon and CHP. CHP exhibited slightly lower peak power but superior sustained output over a wider current-density range, attributed to its low-crystallinity structure and rapid early colonization. The results demonstrate that HA nanostructure, governed by synthesis route, directly influences biofilm formation and electron transfer. Overall, eggshell-derived HA anodes significantly enhance MFC performance, establishing a clear synthesis-nanostructure-biofilm-performance relationship.

Bioresource technology • 2026

Biocathode performance is often constrained by low biomass accumulation on the electrode surface due to electrostatic repulsion between negatively charged cells and negatively polarized electrodes. A strategy known as polarity reversal is typically applied to overcome this limitation, initially growing bacteria under anodic conditions and subsequently switching the electrode polarity to cathodic. This approach requires substantial time and requires bacteria capable of bidirectional extracellular electron transfer. In this work, biocathode enhancement is achieved by suppressing electrostatic repulsion between bacteria and the electrode during adhesion stage, via the generation of a positive charge on the electrode through polarization above the potential of zero charge (PZC). Bacterial adhesion kinetics to electrodes polarized at different potentials and subsequent current generation were systematically investigated using a real-time, in situ approach. A fivefold increase in the number of irreversibly adhered bacteria during the first 90 min of polarization was observed on positively charged electrodes compared with negatively charged ones. Kinetic analysis revealed a 63% higher attachment rate in the former case. Subsequent biofilm formation was also enhanced, resulting in cathodic current densities higher than those typically reported for pure cultures. The effectiveness of this strategy was confirmed on gold and carbon-based graphite electrodes, indicating that the underlying mechanism is not material-specific. These findings demonstrate that biocathode development can be improved by a strategy termed here as Surface Charge-Induced Microbial Adhesion (SCIMA), providing a mechanistic framework for optimizing its performance in microbial electrochemical technologies.

Bioresource technology • 2026

Dalapon (2,2-dichloropropionic acid) is a persistent halogenated herbicide frequently detected in aquatic environments, yet its bioelectrochemical degradation has not been previously demonstrated. This study reports the simultaneous biodegradation of dalapon and electricity generation in single-chamber microbial fuel cells inoculated with the psychrotolerant Antarctic isolate Psychrobacter sp. TaeBurcu001. While mixed microbial cultures alone were unable to oxidize dalapon as the sole added carbon source, co-inoculation with TaeBurcu001 enabled measurable electricity generation (0.1-0.21 V at 980 Ω) and achieved more than 90% dalapon removal. Targeted LC-MS/MS analysis confirmed substantial dalapon degradation under all tested conditions. Microbial community analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed enrichment of electrogenic and xenobiotic-degrading genera, including Xanthobacter, Pseudomonas, Achromobacter, and Dysgonomonas. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations suggested favorable binding of dalapon within the catalytic pocket of L-2-haloacid dehalogenase, supporting a plausible enzymatic contribution to dehalogenation. Overall, this study demonstrates the potential of using specialized pollutant-degrading bacteria to enhance the functionality of MFCs for treating recalcitrant organic contaminants.

Frontiers in fungal biology • 2026

The growing need for sustainable energy sources has led to the exploration of bioelectricity generation from microorganisms, with fungi showing considerable potential for powering small-scale robotic systems. Fungal bioelectricity stems from the ability of fungal mycelium to facilitate extracellular electron transfer, a process that can be exploited in microbial fuel cells (MFCs) for clean energy production. This field is gaining traction as fungi, with their extensive mycelial networks, offer unique conductive properties. These networks, providing a large surface area and excellent conductivity, make fungi well-suited for incorporation into fungal-based microbial fuel cells (FMFCs). Successful FMFC design and optimization require attention to critical factors such as electrode material, microbial interactions, and environmental conditions to enhance performance. Moreover, the use of fungi in small-scale robotic systems, forming biohybrid robots, holds significant promise for autonomous operations in applications like environmental monitoring and bio-inspired robotics. While fungal bioelectricity presents exciting opportunities, challenges such as energy efficiency, scalability, and integration persist. Nevertheless, ongoing research continues to advance the development of self-sustaining, environmentally friendly robotic systems powered by fungal bioelectricity, providing new avenues in renewable energy and robotics.

RSC advances • 2026

A pilot-scale integrated system combining an iron-carbon-enhanced anode constructed wetland-microbial fuel cell with shallow sand filtration (ICCW/MFC-SSF) was developed for decentralized rural greywater treatment. During an eight-month field trial, the system demonstrated robust and stable performance. It achieved high removal efficiencies for COD (92.3%), TN (82.6%), NH 4 + -N (97.1%), SS (88.1%), turbidity (97.9%), and fecal coliforms (97.8%), with effluent meeting Chinese irrigation standards. The iron-carbon anode may have enhanced electron transfer and oxidative degradation, while the SS may have contributed to further nitrogen removal via reaeration. Dissolved organic matter (DOM) analysis revealed a shift from protein-like to refractory fulvic-like substances. Microbial community analysis indicated niche differentiation, with Proteobacteria dominant in the cathode and Firmicutes enriched in the anode. However, phosphorus removal declined over time due to adsorption saturation, highlighting a key limitation for long-term application.

Water research • 2026

Hydrothermal carbonization demonstrates a potential for converting invasive plants into multifunctional carbonaceous material. Invasive plant-based hydrochar derived dissolved organic matter (HDOM) becomes an important source of anthropogenic dissolved organic matter, however, the molecular composition and bioavailability of HDOM and the controlling factors were not sufficiently revealed. Thus, in this study, a variety of invasive plants were selected to fabricate hydrochar at different hydrothermal temperatures to investigate the molecular composition via FT-ICR-MS and bioavailability based on microbial fuel cell system. The results indicated dissolved organic carbon (DOC) yield peaked at 200°C and pH fluctuated within a range of 5.0 ‒ 6.0. Along with the increase in hydrothermal temperature, macromolecular humic-like substances promoted via depolymerization, dehydration, and condensation of lignocellulose, likewise unsaturated-reduced molecules as well as the diversity of CHO group in HDOMs. Van Krevelen diagrams demonstrated highly unsaturated and phenolic compounds as lignin-like/CRAMs were the dominant components. Biomass feedstocks did not greatly alter the molecular distribution pattern of HDOMs. HDOMs were introduced into the microbial fuel cell system as the substitute carbon source of sodium acetate, according to the output voltage, HDOMs demonstrated a superior bioavailability, and the effects of biomass feedstocks and hydrothermal temperature were in line with the percentage of labile compounds (MLB L %). HDOMs may serve as a carbon substrate that upregulated catabolic pathways to enhance the bioavailability, and act as metabolic driver to promote the nitrogen removal efficiency via enhancing denitrification and anammox. Environmental implications of HDOMs based on molecular composition and bioavailability were further discussed. This work provided theoretical foundation for optimizing the hydrothermal carbonization of invasive plants and reducing the ecological risks of invasive plant-based hydrochar.

Bioresource technology • 2026

This study investigates a hybrid bioelectrochemical system that integrates an anodic biofilm (ABF) with a cathodic bio-electro-Fenton (BEF) process for the treatment of azo-dye-containing wastewater. Three operational strategies were evaluated by varying the RBV-5R/acetate ratio and hydraulic retention time (HRT). Under optimal conditions (20 mg L -1 RBV-5R, 0.25 g L -1 acetate, 6 h/12 h ABF/BEF), the system achieved a power density of 73.3 mW m -2 and in situ H 2 O 2 generation of 12.3 ± 0.2 mg L -1 , resulting in high removals of color (99.8%), COD (79.6%,), and a marked reduction in phytotoxicity after pH neutralization. Unlike conventional MFC-BEF configurations, this work demonstrates a redox-sequential, self-powered ABF + BEF architecture in which the anodic biofilm serves as an active pretreatment stage prior to oxidative polishing. These results highlight the potential of this integrated platform as a sustainable strategy for advanced wastewater treatment of azo dyes.

Microbial biotechnology • 2026

The pressing challenges posed by climate change and the depletion of traditional energy sources have intensified the search for alternative energy-harvesting technologies. Plant-microbial fuel cells (PMFCs) have emerged as a promising solution. Although they are not yet energetically competitive, their potential application in low-power devices as a battery replacement has been widely explored. PMFCs operate by integrating living plants with microbial fuel cells to generate electricity in situ through the metabolic activity of electroactive microorganisms (EAMs) in the rhizosphere. These microbes degrade root exudates and play a central role in PMFC performance and long-term stability. In this review, we selected 21 studies that examined bacterial and archaeal communities in PMFCs, comparing their microbial composition and resulting electricity outputs. We highlight how differences in plant species, system configurations, and environmental conditions influence the structure and function of microbial communities. We also discuss the methods used for microbial community assessment and address the persistent lack of standardisation across studies, which limits comparability. Finally, we outline future research directions aimed at optimising PMFC performance, including the search for electroactivity biomarkers, the potential of genetic engineering and nanomaterials, and the largely unexplored electroactive potential of eukaryotes in these systems. This review advances the existing literature by incorporating recent findings and offering a renewed perspective on PMFC systems.

Langmuir : the ACS journal of surfaces and colloids • 2026

A cyanobacteria-based living biophotovoltaic (LBPV) system was developed by integrating Leptolyngbya sp. with conductive polymer-gold nanoparticle-modified electrodes for simultaneous green energy generation and herbicide detection. The photoanode was fabricated through the electropolymerization of dithieno[3,2-b:2',3'-d] pyrrole derivatives, followed by the incorporation of aniline-functionalized AuNPs to enhance electron transfer. Optimization of the polymer thickness, AuNP loading, and cyanobacterial concentration revealed 60 electropolymerization cycles and 450 mg/mL cyanobacteria as the ideal parameters for photocurrent output. The biocathode, modified with bilirubin oxidase, enabled efficient oxygen reduction, ensuring stability and reproducibility. To extend the experimental findings, deep learning architectures (LSTM, BiLSTM, and GRU) were employed to model and forecast chronoamperometric photocurrent dynamics. Among all tested configurations, the BiLSTM-SGDM model exhibited the best predictive performance with R 2 = 0.92, RMSE ≈ 48 μA, and MAE ≈ 38 μA on the test set, effectively capturing nonlinear variations and transient response behaviors of the LBPV system. The deep-learning-based predictions closely matched the experimental measurements, confirming the capability of AI-assisted models to reproduce complex photoelectrochemical kinetics. The optimized system produced stable photocurrents under visible light of ∼1 sun (1400 W/m 2 ) and maintained 56% of its initial activity after 50 days. As a biosensor, the LBPV exhibited remarkable sensitivity with detection limits of 1.12 nM for diuron and 9.70 nM for linuron. The integration of AI-based photocurrent forecasting with biohybrid photovoltaic design offers a promising framework for next-generation sustainable energy and environmental monitoring systems. Interference studies further confirmed high selectivity against common environmental contaminants. These findings underscore the potential of LBPVs as dual-function devices, combining sustainable energy harvesting with highly sensitive photoelectrochemical biosensing of phenyl urea herbicides in aquatic environments.

Journal of environmental management • 2026

In this study, the nitrogen removal enhancement mechanism of the walnut shell biochar/GO-modified electrode in microbial fuel cell denitrifying cathode was discussed through chemical tests and functional potential prediction analysis of the microbial community. The study revealed that the removal efficiency of NO 3 - -N achieved 96.40 ± 4.48%, and the total nitrogen (TN) removal efficiency was 70.19 ± 13.29% in BC180, significantly outperforming the control group (CC) and other loading groups. Additionally, its average maximum voltage (124.91 ± 7.38 mV) exceeded other groups. FTIR and SEM analyses demonstrated that abundant redox-active functional groups (phenolic hydroxyl, quinone) on biochar's surface significantly enhanced electron acceptor capacity (EAC) of the cathode (932.39 μmol g -1 ) and facilitated the enrichment of microorganisms. Moreover, biochar/GO also improved the electrochemical performance of the modified electrode. High throughput sequencing analysis indicated biochar/GO modification enriched multiple denitrifying bacteria. The relative abundance of typical electroactive bacteria (Thauera, Geobacter) at anode also increased. KEGG pathway analysis indicated that the relative abundance of pathways associated with electron transfer (Biosynthesis of siderophore group nonribosomal peptides, Ubiquinone, flagellar assembly) and key genes involved in the nitrogen metabolism (narG, nirS, and nod) in BC180 were both increased. These research results suggest that biochar/GO can efficiently regulate electrons to the nitrate reduction by regulating the microbial communities and the electron transfer pathways, potentially offering alternative strategies for optimizing denitrification at low-carbon nitrogen ratios.

Environmental technology • 2026

Algal microbial fuel cells (AMFCs) offer a promising platform for simultaneous wastewater treatment, renewable energy generation, and carbon capture. This study investigates the critical role of light colour (natural, red, yellow, green, blue; 4,500 Lux) in optimising AMFC performance using Chlorella -based biocathodes and biogas slurry as anodic substrate. Results demonstrate that blue light maximised contaminant removal, achieving 95.70% Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and 96.28% Ammonia nitrogen (NH 4 + -N) elimination, while red light enabled peak power density (570.86 mW·m -2 ). Electrochemical and kinetic analyses demonstrated that the blue/red spectra optimised AMFC performance by enhancing Chlorella photosynthesis. This increased the cathodic dissolved oxygen concentration, driving a reduction in internal resistance and a remarkable 55.1% (blue) and 48.5% (red) improvement in coulombic efficiency (CE) over natural light. The higher efficiency was directly linked to the enrichment of electroactive Proteobacteria (e.g. +11.89% under blue light). Concurrently, the degradation of organics was accelerated and was well-described by first-order kinetics (R 2  > 0.98). Furthermore, blue/red light intensified carbon sequestration, increasing CO 2 fixation rates to 17.99% (blue) and 19.55% (red) and elevating chlorophyll content by 30.8% (blue). Microbial community analysis confirmed light-specific shifts, with red light promoting microbial richness and blue light optimising community stability. This work establishes spectral control as a strategic tool to amplify AMFC efficacy in wastewater valorisation, energy recovery, and carbon neutrality. Future studies should explore hybrid light regimes and scalable configurations to advance practical implementation.

Journal of hazardous materials • 2026

Recovering metals from mineral-bound fractions remains a major challenge because these recalcitrant phases dominate metal-bearing wastes and render much of the metal inaccessible. We employed plant-microbial fuel cells (PMFCs) to mobilise and recover metal from such materials through a combination of mobilisation via root exudate leaching, low-power electrokinetic transport powered by the fuel cell and ultimately plant uptake. Here, we demonstrate that PMFCs can substantially enhance copper mobilisation and recovery from malachite (Cu₂CO₃(OH)₂)-spiked soils, as a model of metal-bearing mineral waste, using common reed (Phragmites australis). In soil-only systems, copper mobilisation was negligible. Application of low-power electrokinetics alone increased aqueous Cu concentrations only modestly. Plant-only systems enhanced mobilisation via root exudates. By contrast, PMFCs, combining plants with low-power electrokinetics, consistently outperformed both single processes: after two months, copper recovery by the plants reached 6.7 % of the initial load-1.8 times higher than in plant-only systems-with Cu mobilisation levels up to 20-fold greater as indicated by aqueous Cu concentration. These outcomes reveal a clear synergistic effect between root-exudate-driven lixiviation combined with the likely circuit-maintained reducing conditions and field-assisted transport, enabling enhanced recovery of copper from recalcitrant malachite. This study establishes PMFCs as a promising nature-based platform for sustainable remediation and resource recovery from recalcitrant metal-bearing wastes.

Bioresource technology • 2026

As acetaminophen (ACT) is ubiquitous in the environment and may pose long-term ecological impacts, it is recognized as an important emerging contaminant. The osmotic microbial fuel cell systems (OsMFCs) integrate the direct biodegradation with the membrane separation process for simultaneous efficient removal of ACT, along with the production of bioenergy and high-quality water recovery. This study investigated ACT removal by OsMFCs and demonstrated that OsMFCs were able to maintain high ACT removal efficiencies (>97%) across a wide range of ACT concentrations. In addition, the corresponding effect of ACT on the reactor performance was also monitored. The results showed that no significant differences were observed between the low concentration ACT groups and the control. Although high ACT concentrations caused a slight decrease in chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal, the system still maintained a high removal efficiency (>87%); however, the water flux decreased with the same cycle, while the internal resistance increased from 238 Ω to 337 Ω, and the power density also decreased. Interestingly, no significant differences in electricity generation were observed among all groups. Microbial community analysis revealed that several electrogenic bacteria were enriched under ACT stress conditions, which enabled the high concentration groups to maintain a stable power generation. Additionally, the removal mechanism and fate of ACT in the OsMFCs were investigated. The results indicated that the mechanism of ACT removal was mainly adsorption and biodegradation. This work offers a new treatment pathway for pharmaceutical wastewater treatment and helps promote the application of OsMFCs.

Bioresource technology • 2026

This study assessed the integrated performance of constructed wetland-microbial fuel cells (CW-MFCs) for the concurrent removal of conventional pollutants, pharmaceuticals personal care products (PPCPs, including sulfamethoxazole (SMX) and ibuprofen (IBP)), and bioenergy recovery. The effects of key operational parameters, including circuit configurations, electrode matrix (manganese ore), hydraulic retention time (HRT), influent flow directions, and COD concentrations, on system performance were systematically investigated. Experimental results demonstrated that the closed-circuit system with a manganese ore electrode (CW-MFC2) achieved optimal comprehensive performance under upflow influent mode: it attained 76% TN, 81% NH 4 + -N, and 77% COD removal at 3 d HRT, 94% peak average TP removal at 2 d HRT, as well as 95% SMX and 93% IBP removal at 300 mg/L COD. Meanwhile, CW-MFC2 exhibited excellent bioelectrochemical performance with a maximum current density of 94 mA/m 2 , a maximum power density of 18 mW/m 2 , and an internal resistance of 144.4 Ω. The superior performance of CW-MFC2 was attributed to its unique hierarchical porous structure of manganese ore electrodes, which facilitated microbial colonization, and the enriched electroactive bacteria and key functional phyla (Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidetes) in the system, synergistically promoting pollutant degradation and bioenergy generation. This work confirms the feasibility and efficiency of manganese ore-based closed-circuit CW-MFCs for simultaneous pollutant removal and energy recovery, providing critical insights for its practical engineering application in sustainable wastewater treatment.

Bioresource technology • 2026

The environmental risk of azo dyes arises from their recalcitrant nature and potential carcinogenicity. Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have emerged as a sustainable technology for concurrent wastewater treatment and renewable electricity generation, yet their efficiency is constrained by mass transfer limitations, low electron recovery, and the complex responses of microbial communities. This study evaluated the effects of free-fall influent (FF) mode on red soil MFCs treating the disazo dye Acid Red 73 (AR73). Compared with conventional operation, FF mode enhanced both pollutant removal and bioelectrochemical performance. The hydrodynamic impact of inflowing droplets increased cathodic dissolved oxygen by 44.7-45.8%, thereby promoting oxygen reduction. These physicochemical shifts mitigated cathodic polarization, resulting in a maximum power density of 2056 mW/m 3 under dye-containing conditions. Coulombic efficiency also improved, reflecting more efficient electron recovery from organic substrates. GC-MS analysis identified the major degradation products in both FF and non-FF modes, revealing differences that clarified the AR73 degradation pathway. Microbial community analyses revealed that FF mode restructured both bacterial and fungal communities. Electroactive genera, including Anaeromyxobacter, Dechloromonas, Citrifermentans, and Caulobacter were enriched, together with organic degraders such as Xanthobacter, Methyloversatilis, Rhodoplanes, and Aquabacterium. Fungal communities, dominated by Ascomycota and Basidiomycota, also displayed functional shifts, with FF mode promoting the abundance of degradative taxa including Ganoderma, Nigrospora, and Sterigmatomyces. Overall, FF mode provides a hydrodynamic strategy that enhances both energy recovery and pollutant removal. These findings suggest that hydrodynamic intensification can improve the sustainability of wastewater treatment in bioelectrochemical systems.

Recent advances in food, nutrition & agriculture • 2026

Land directly affects people's health and well-being. Soil is essential for social and economic growth. It is impossible to overstate the urgency of conserving soil, as it is crucial for fostering the development of an ecological civilization and maintaining household stability. A new significant threat to soil health and fertility has emerged in the form of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs). Unlike other pollutants, these CECs (e.g., pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, PFAS, and microplastics) are resistant to microbial degradation; therefore, they persist in soil and can enter the food chain or pollute groundwater supplies. Several researchers worldwide have shown that CECs destroy soil microflora, impair ecological balance, and reduce soil fertility and agricultural productivity. Recent experimental studies have confirmed their presence in cell culture and experimental animal models at concentrations ranging from nanomolar (nM) to millimolar (mM) levels. The unrestricted use of these CECs has resulted in their bioaccumulation at higher levels in the food chain, ultimately reaching human beings. Despite their hazardous nature, no definite environmental laws or FDA regulations exist, adding fuel to the fire. Therefore, we aim to highlight the environmental implications of these CECs and the steps needed to prevent them from transforming into an environmental catastrophe. This review focuses on five key CECs, including nanoparticles, cosmetic additives (phthalates and biphenyls), flame retardants, and microplastics, along with their environmental implications.