Research Library
Discover insights from thousands of peer-reviewed papers on microbial electrochemical systems
Discover insights from thousands of peer-reviewed papers on microbial electrochemical systems
Akil Ahmad
Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery • 2024
A. Samadi, Seyed Omid Rastegar, Mehrdad Khamforoush et al.
Materials Chemistry and Physics • 2024
Z.Q. Hu, Huifang Zhao, Bingyuan Wang et al.
Water Science & Technology • 2024
As a new pollutant treatment technology, microbial fuel cell (MFC) has a broad prospect. In this article, the devices assembled using walnut shells are named biochar-microbial fuel cell (B-MFC), and the devices assembled using graphene are named graphene-microbial fuel cell (G-MFC). Under the condition of an external resistance of 1,000 Ω, the B-MFC with biochar as the electrode plate can generate a voltage of up to 75.26 mV. The maximum power density is 76.61 mW/m 2 , and the total internal resistance is 3,117.09 Ω. The removal efficiency of B-MFC for ammonia nitrogen (NH 3 -N), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP) was higher than that of G-MFC. The results of microbial analysis showed that there was more operational taxonomic unit (OTU) on the walnut shell biochar electrode plate. The final analysis of the two electrode materials using BET specific surface area testing method (BET) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) showed that the pore size of walnut shell biochar was smaller, the specific surface area was larger, and the pore distribution was smoother. The results show that using walnut shells to make electrode plates is an optional waste recycling method and an electrode plate with excellent development prospects.
Chengxian Wang, Fei Yu, Jie Ma
Acta Physico-Chimica Sinica • 2016
Yang Shengke, Wang Yanhua, Yang Zhou et al.
Polish Journal of Environmental Studies • 2017
The development of highly efficient modified electrodes is critical for enhancing the power output of microbial fuel cells (MFCs). In this study, different titanium electrodes were modified with functionalized graphene, polyaniline, and their composite (G/PANI) for use in two-chambered MFCs. The results showed that graphene, polyaniline, and G/PANI modification of the cathode improved the maximum power density of MFCs by 74%, 40%, and 126%, respectively, compared with the unmodified control. Among the three materials, G/PANI modification of the anode resulted in the highest open-circuit voltage of MFCs (0.71 V) and recorded the longest operating time for three consecutive cycles (110 h). G/PANI was superior to the other two materials in terms of power generation and it also extended the duration of the operating cycle of MFCs. G/PANI modification of both the cathode and anode improved the maximum power density of MFCs to 124.84 mWm -2 ; this value was 24.8% and 18.9% higher than those obtained by simple modification of the cathode and the anode, respectively. The duration of the operating cycle of MFCs was also markedly extended to 35 h after G/PANI modification of both the cathode and anode. SEM results revealed that the increase in power generation of MFCs with G/PANI-modified electrodes could be attributed to the high surface area of electrodes and the large number of bacteria attached to electrodes. These results have demonstrated that the G/PANI composite can be effective materials for modifying electrodes and improving power generation in two-chambered MFCs.
Priyanka Gupta, Komal Pandey, Nishith Verma
Journal of Power Sources • 2021
Swagatika Rout, Arpan Kumar Nayak, Jhansi L. Varanasi et al.
Journal of Electroanalytical Chemistry • 2018
Jamil Islam, Parthiba Karthikeyan Obulisamy, Venkata K.K. Upadhyayula et al.
ACS Nano • 2022
Dehydrogenation of methanol (CH 3 OH) into direct current (DC) in fuel cells can be a potential energy conversion technology. However, their development is currently hampered by the high cost of electrocatalysts based on platinum and palladium, slow kinetics, the formation of carbon monoxide intermediates, and the requirement for high temperatures. Here, we report the use of graphene layers (GL) for generating DC electricity from microbially driven methanol dehydrogenation on underlying copper (Cu) surfaces. Genetically tractable Rhodobacter sphaeroides 2.4.1 (Rsp), a nonarchetypical methylotroph, was used for dehydrogenating methanol at the GL-Cu surfaces. We use electrochemical methods, microscopy, and spectroscopy methods to assess the effects of GL on methanol dehydrogenation by Rsp cells. The GL-Cu offers a 5-fold higher power density and 4-fold higher current density compared to bare Cu. The GL lowers charge transfer resistance to methanol dehydrogenation by 4 orders of magnitude by mitigating issues related to pitting corrosion of underlying Cu surfaces. The presented approach for catalyst-free methanol dehydrogenation on copper electrodes can improve the overall sustainability of fuel cell technologies.
Anthony J. Slate, Niall A. Hickey, Jonathan A. Butler et al.
Journal of Power Sources • 2021
Loreto Hernández, G. Riveros, Darío M. González et al.
Journal of Materials Science Materials in Electronics • 2019
Qianqian Wang, Xiayuan Wu, Yangyang Yu et al.
Electrochimica Acta • 2017
S. Ya. Bevz, Antonela Kozina
Инновационное развитие агропромышленного, химического, лесного комплексов и рациональное природопользование: сборник материалов II Всероссийской научно-практической конференции • 2023
Анна Петрова
Инновационное развитие агропромышленного, химического, лесного комплексов и рациональное природопользование: сборник материалов II Всероссийской научно-практической конференции • 2023
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А. Б. Тиранов, Людмила Васильевна Тиранова
Инновационное развитие агропромышленного, химического, лесного комплексов и рациональное природопользование: сборник материалов II Всероссийской научно-практической конференции • 2023
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Ya. M. Abdushaeva
Инновационное развитие агропромышленного, химического, лесного комплексов и рациональное природопользование: сборник материалов II Всероссийской научно-практической конференции • 2023
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Igor Korotkiy, Elena Korotkaya, A. D. Tiunin
Инновационное развитие агропромышленного, химического, лесного комплексов и рациональное природопользование: сборник материалов II Всероссийской научно-практической конференции • 2023
Xuewen Liu, Panqing Qi, Wei Fan et al.
Advanced Science • 2025
Biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) is a pivotal process that reduces nitrogen to ammonium within the nitrogen cycle. Extracellular electron transfer (EET) between diazotrophs and the extracellular environment influences the occurrence and efficiency of BNF. Although extracellular electron acceptors can function as a component of the electron transport chain, providing energy for chemotrophic nitrogen fixation via extracellular respiration, the function and mechanism of outward EET in photosynthetic diazotrophs remain unclear. Here, using Rhodopseudomonas palustris TIE-1, a photosynthetic bioelectrochemical nitrogen fixation system is established for simultaneous nitrogen fixation and current generation, to dissect the complex interaction between these two processes. Outward EET functions are found to maintain redox balance, rather than serving as an extracellular respiration pathway. It significantly suppresses BNF by competing with nitrogenase for electrons. Lumichrome serves as the primary electron shuttle for indirect electron transfer, while cytochromes play an important role in direct electron transfer. Notably, the pio operon participates in outward EET. This study reveals the interaction mechanism between photosynthetic BNF and outward EET, providing new insight into the regulatory mechanisms of nitrogen fixation in anoxygenic phototrophs across diverse environmental conditions.
Blake Foret, José Ramón Laines Canepa, Gabriel Núñez-Nogueira et al.
Energies • 2025
Renewable natural gas is an innovative alternative fuel source that has the potential to integrate seamlessly into the current energy and fuel sector. In addition, growing concerns related to energy security and environmental impact are incentivizing the development of RNG technologies. In conjunction with this document, current technologies related to biogas conditioning and biogas upgrading were covered in a separate analysis deemed Part I. With the current technologies, however, issues such as compositional quality, combustion efficiency, and high operational costs still need to be addressed before RNG can reach its true capability in use. Recent innovations have focused on optimizing techniques and introducing new methods to maximize methane yield and purity while minimizing costs and energy consumption. This document, Part II, provides an overview of emerging technologies related to further biogas upgrading, such as cryogenics, methane enrichment, and hybrid treatments, aimed at increasing cleaned biogas purity. Processes in development are also discussed, including industrial lung, supersonic separation, chemical hydrogenation, hydrate formation, and various biological treatments. The benefits of these advancements are increased purity for the ability to pipeline renewable natural gas in existing infrastructure, help industries reach sustainability goals, and contribute to a more resilient energy system. Together, Parts I and II offer a comprehensive understanding of both current and future technological developments.
Lenon Romano Modesto, Ignacio Baquedano, Ezgi Öğün Ramalhete et al.
Frontiers in Microbiology • 2026
Electroactive microorganisms (EAMs) can be incorporated into active soil management as a strategy for regenerative agriculture. Through extracellular electron transfer, they drive nutrient cycling, biofertilization, and pollutant degradation while also producing bioelectricity. Soil microbial fuel cells exemplify their use as self-powered biosensors and platforms for bioremediation. Reframing soils as dynamic bioelectronic interfaces, EAMs enable nutrient recovery, waste valorisation, and resilience. The concept of "gardening microorganisms" integrates them as programmable agents within managed ecosystems. By coupling microbial consortia engineering, bioelectronic scaffolds, and circular nutrient recovery, soils work as intelligent, self-regulating systems. This review positions EAMs as a tool in soil management for shaping climate-smart, regenerative agroecosystems that sustain productivity and ecological balance.
Zhaojie Zou, Mengru Li, Shuai He et al.
Transactions of Tianjin University • 2026
Abstract Immobilized microalgae technologies (IMTs) involve the fixing of free-living microalgae onto specialized carriers through physical adsorption, chemical cross-linking, or biological interactions to enhance cell retention, metabolic stability, and stress resistance. These have emerged as multifunctional and sustainable platforms for environmental remediation, extending their applications beyond wastewater treatment to include soil and air purification. This review categorizes advanced IMT carriers into three major types: (1) inorganic engineered materials (e.g., biochar–nanoparticle hybrids), (2) functionalized organic polymers (e.g., pH-responsive hydrogels), and (3) bio-derived scaffolds (e.g., fungal–algal and algal–bacterial consortia). They enhance microalgal retention, metabolic activity, and microalgal stress resistance, enabling the effective removal of nitrogen, phosphorus, heavy metals, organic pollutants, and airborne particulates across diverse environmental matrices. We highlight key cooperative mechanisms—such as extracellular polymeric substance (EPS)-mediated adhesion, quorum sensing, and metabolic synergy—that underpin pollutant removal and biomass stability. Particular emphasis is placed on integrating smart technologies, including magnetic microrobots, 3D/4D-printed scaffolds, and AI-guided optimization, which improve the scalability, adaptability, and environmental responsiveness of IMT systems. By synthesizing the advances in materials science, microbial ecology, and environmental engineering, this review defines the future direction of research into IMTs as a next-generation bioengineering strategy for the integrated management of water, soil, and air pollution.
Marlenne Feregrino-Rivas, Blenda Ramírez‐Pereda, Francisco Estrada-Godoy
Revista de Ciencias Tecnológicas • 2022
El impacto negativo al ambiente por la explotación y generación de energía a partir de combustibles fósiles impone la necesidad de búsquedas de nuevas fuentes de energías renovables y sustentables. Las Celdas de Combustible Microbianas de Sedimentos (CCM-S) son una tecnología en desarrollo para la producción de bioelectricidad. Se ha demostrado que algunos microorganismos presentes en sedimentos de ambientes fluviales son capaces de producir electrones durante las reacciones bioquímicas de su metabolismo. Uno de los aspectos fundamentales en la eficiencia de una CCM-S son los electrodos del biorreactor. La presente investigación se enfocó en el estudio y demostración estadística de la influencia del diseño del cátodo de una CCM-S sobre la producción de bioelectricidad a partir de sedimentos fluviales. Se diseñaron dos cátodos de una CCM-S no dividida. Los electrodos fueron fabricados de Fibra de Carbono Unidireccional (FCU). El área total del ánodo fue de 81 cm2, los cátodos evaluados tuvieron áreas de 81 cm2 y 40.5 cm2. Se colectaron muestras de sedimentos y agua del Río Culiacán. El volumen total de trabajo fue de 1500 ml. Se estudiaron dos CCM-S, en el primer biorreactor el cátodo fue colocado verticalmente y sumergido en el electrolito de trabajo, mientras el cátodo de la segunda celda fue colocado horizontal y parcialmente sumergido. Se determinó la diferencia de potencial eléctrico producido por ambas celdas durante 40 días y se monitorearon algunos parametros físicos. Los resultados de ambas CCM-S fueron comparados y las distribuciones de voltaje obtenidas fueron caracterizadas estadísticamente empleando el software R. Además se realizó un ANOVA mediante el test de Welch y comparaciones robustas mediante la función Lincon para comprobar la existencia de diferencias significativas entre ambos grupos. Los resultados demostraron que es posible obtener energía eléctrica a partir de los sedimentos fluviales. Se obtuvieron valores máximos de voltaje de 513 mV y 664.7 mV para las celdas 1 y 2, respectivamente, evidenciando que la disposición del cátodo en la celda influye en la energía producida. El estudio estadístico avanzado comprobó que existen diferencias significativas entre las medias de las distribuciones de voltaje de ambas celdas, con un p-value de 0.01 con un nivel de confianza de 95%.
Patrick U. Okoye, Itzel Montes Roman, Rosa Angelica Guillen-Garcés et al.
Algal Research • 2026
The development of sustainable electrode materials that allows sufficient accumulation of redox species is key to advancing biophotovoltaic (BPV) technologies. In this study, activated carbon derived from agave fiber was evaluated as an anodic electrode material for BPV devices. Activated carbon samples were synthesized at 600, 700, and 800 °C using different agave biomass-to-KOH impregnation ratios from 1:1 to 1:3. The resulting carbons were comprehensively characterized to analyze their morphology and composition, and to establish structure–performance relationships. Electrochemical evaluation using Coelastrella sp. biofilms revealed that the electrode produced at 700 °C with a 1:2 ratio delivered the best performance, achieving a specific capacity of 3.50 mAh/g. Both impregnation ratio and activation temperature influenced biofilm accumulation, while a balanced meso –micropore structure favored electron transfer from the bulk to the anode surface, ensuring sufficient interaction with photosynthetic microorganisms of Coelastrella sp. The maximum power density achieved was 1.3 mW/m 2 , with an open-circuit voltage of ~140 mV at the lowest current density (~6 mA/m 2 ), and a short-circuit current density of ~24 mA/m 2 . These findings demonstrate the potential of Coelastrella sp. biofilms to enhance the functionality of electrochemical materials by improving electron transfer kinetics, thereby contributing to the development of clean technologies that harness solar energy. • Biofilm of Coelastrella sp. on activated carbon improved energy harvesting. • Increase in temperature and KOH agent impacted on the electrode performance. • Specific capacity of 3.50 mAh/g and lowest current density of ~6 mA/m 2 was achieved. • Maximum power of 1.3 mW/m 2 at open circuit voltage of ~140 mV was achieved.
Teresė Kondrotaitė-Intė, Domas Pirštelis, Laisvidas Striška et al.
Chemosensors • 2026
This study investigates the combined effect of electrodeposited gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and AuNP–polypyrrole (PPy)-modified Saccharomyces cerevisiae on electrochemical glucose sensing. AuNPs were deposited onto electrode surfaces by cyclic voltammetry, and the resulting interfaces were characterized using atomic force microscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. AFM analysis confirmed increased surface roughness and height variability after deposition, indicating substantial restructuring of the electrode interface. Electrochemical measurements showed that AuNP deposition altered interfacial charge storage and transfer and increased the measured charge-transfer resistance. Glucose sensing was evaluated in a ferricyanide-mediated system using yeast layers with or without AuNP and PPy modification over a 0–60 mM concentration range. All configurations exhibited saturating, non-linear glucose responses described by Hill fitting. Among the evaluated yeast-modified electrodes, the AuNP–PPy modified yeast produced the strongest glucose-induced current increase and the best low-concentration performance, achieving a limit of detection of 0.540 mM, compared with 1.016 mM and 1.330 mM for single-modified layers and 3.360 mM for unmodified yeast. These results show that combining AuNP electrodeposition with AuNP–PPy yeast modification improves interfacial properties and enhances mediator-assisted electrochemical glucose sensing.
Peng Xu, Zhi-Dao Quan, Yu-Guo Zhang et al.
Applied Sciences • 2026
Bioelectromethanogenesis, the microbial conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) into methane (CH4) using a cathode, offers a promising route for biogas upgrading and renewable energy storage. The flow field is an essential factor influencing the performance of bioelectromethanogenesis, and the stability and efficiency of the biocathode play important roles in this process. This study systematically investigated the effect of different internal-circulation flow rates on the biocathode initiated without the electric field and the reactor effluent. It was found that the methane production of the biocathode initiated without the electric field was increased by around 30% at an internal-circulation flow rate of 18 mL/min, which was stronger than that of the biocathode initiated by the reactor effluent. The relative content of the extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) heme was increased by 4%, while the EPS electron accepting capacity was much higher than that initiated by reactor effluent. Furthermore, the microbial community analysis showed that the functional methanogen on the biocathode initiated without an electric field was Methanosaeta (17%) and Methanobacterium (8%). This study could provide support for the dynamic operation of biogas upgrading in microbial electrolysis cells.
Antoine Vautier, James A. Behan, Charlotte Bodin et al.
ACS electrochemistry. • 2026
The limited power output (<10 W/m2) of microbial fuel cells (MFCs) remains a major barrier to their industrial deployment, prompting research to shift toward alternative applications and hybrid systems. These include the integration of MFCs into constructed wetlands, bioelectro-Fenton systems, or photocoupled MFCs for applications in wastewater and recalcitrant pollutant remediation to compensate for the inherent power output limitations of MFCs. This review highlights recent advances in the use of bioanodes and biocathodes beyond conventional electricity generation. We place particular emphasis on their integration with redox flow batteries (RFBs), exploring the synergistic potential of such pairings for energy harvesting from MFCs and delivering higher power densities (>1000 W/m2). The fundamental principles of RFBs are outlined, followed by an in-depth discussion of how they can be coupled with bioelectrodes. We also survey key electroactive microbial strains and redox-active species to evaluate promising MFC–RFB configurations.
Angelov, Bratkova, Ivanov et al.
Bulgarian Chemical Communications • 2023
In a two-section bioelectrochemical system (BES), the processes of biomethanation of ethanol stillage in the anode zone and oxygenic photosynthesis in the cathodic zone are combined.There is a reduction of ammonium ions and removal of H2S in the anode zone, and at the same time, there is a positive impact on the process of biomethanation from ethanol stillage in parallel to the anode anaerobic bioreactor.Chemical oxygen demand (COD) reductions ranging from 71.2% to 89.5% were achieved in the 3 BES operating modes studied.The dynamics of the main technological parameters in the bioanode and biocathode area of the BES during continuous operation of the anaerobic bioreactor and photobioreactor (PBR) at a contact time of 10 days is established.Depending on the selected variant of operation of BES -microbial fuel cell (MFC), microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) with 0.6V and 0.9V, a decrease in the ammonium concentration is found to varying degrees, as in the MEC mode with an external electrical voltage of 0.9V the highest degree of 76.5% is reached.At the same time, complete removal of H2S is found, in the liquid and gas phases in MEC -mode and partially (78 -84 %) in MFC -mode.The influence of the photosynthetic phases on the electrochemical parameters of MFC was also investigated, with maximum values for power and current densities of 29 W/m 2 and 115 mA/m 2 , respectively.
Intan Subadri, Adhi Satriyatama, Ignatius Dozy Mahatmanto Budi
Indonesian Journal of Energy • 2020
The energy crisis has become a global issue that has plagued almost all parts of the world. MFCs (Microbial Fuel Cells) is an alternative technology because of its ability to convert waste into electrical energy. The bacterio-algal fuel cell (BAFCs) is kind of an effort for increasing the economic value and carbon capture capability of MFCs. In this case, algae used as a catholyte and organic substrate containing anode-reducing exoelectrogenic bacteria acted as anolyte. This research will examine the potential of algae in BAFCs as an alternative energy for Indonesia's future. By photosynthesis reaction, bacterio-algal fuel cells are operated in a self-sustaining cycle. It can be configured in single, dual chambers, and triple chambers. The performance of bacterio-algal fuel cells is strongly influenced by the bacterial and algae species in each compartment. Factors involved in bacterial-algal fuel cells are also analyzed and assessed: electrode materials, membrane, carbon sources, and algae pretreatment, including the operational parameter, such as pH and temperature. Bacterio-algal fuel cells are recommended to be used to convert algae into electricity by scaling-up and integrating the devices. Organic substrate could be obtained from municipal wastewater. Algae as by-product could be harvested and converted into certain products. Algal Fuel Cell is the solution to produce electricity and reduce CO2 pollution at the same time. Also, an algal fuel cell is potential for sustainable use in the future. By integrating the algal fuel cell in the factory that produces high-concentrated wastewater, the fuel cell can purify the wastewater so that it is safe to be drained to the environment and also can make an integrated electricity production for the whole factory. Some ways to improve the power production are proposed to improve the power generation from BAFCs since this technology offers clean, affordable, sustainable energy, and in-line with SDGs.
Hongsheng Lu, U Abbasi, W Jin et al.
Global NEST Journal • 2023
<p>Chlorella microbial fuel cells may be an alternative technology for wastewater treatment. Using microalgae and activated sludge as raw materials, a C-MFCs was established, and the effects of different nitrogen and phosphorus ratios in the influent on the electrochemical performance of C-MFCs and the removal effect of NH3-N, COD and TP were investigated. The results show that when N:P=3:1 and the external resistance is 1000 Ω, the removal rates of NH3-N, COD and TP are 72.48±1.94%, 81.26±4.4% and 65.62%±2.14%, respectively, and the highest chlorophyll a content is 108.82 mg/L. The maximum voltage and maximum power 92.94 mV and 234.01 mW/m2. The microbial community structure in the anode chamber was analyzed and the results are as follows: At N:P=3:1, the dominant bacteria at the genus level in the anode chamber were Klebsiella (32.12%) and Prevotella (14.45%). The number of OTUs in the anode chamber changes under different N:P conditions. It can be concluded that N:P affects the power generation capacity of C-MFCs and the removal of NH3-N, COD and TP. Overall,when N:P=3:1, the C-MFCs had the best power production capacity and the removal of NH3-N, COD and TP. Regulation of N:P in aquaculture wastewater is an effective way to improve performance of C-MFCs.</p>
Kartikey Mishra, Md. Mirazul Islam, Urvashi Soni et al.
Discover Electrochemistry. • 2026
Microbial diversity plays a critical role in enhancing electron transfer mechanisms in microbial fuel cells (MFCs), directly impacting their efficiency, stability, and scalability. Electron transfer mechanisms are fundamental to the efficiency and scalability of electrochemical systems, influencing energy conversion, storage, and industrial applications. These mechanisms, including direct and mediated electron transfer, are crucial for microbial fuel cells, batteries, fuel cells, and photoelectrochemical devices. This review explores advancements in mediators, electrode materials, catalytic interfaces, and microbial consortia, particularly in terms of electron transfer mechanisms in microbes, to optimize bioelectricity generation. Furthermore, challenges related to commercialization, cost-effectiveness, system durability, and large-scale implementation are critically discussed, providing a roadmap for future developments in sustainable energy applications.
Ahmet SAATÇI, Banu Taşkan, Ergin Taşkan
Fırat Üniversitesi Mühendislik Bilimleri Dergisi • 2022
Nüfus artışı ve endüstriyel gelişme nedeniyle küresel enerji ihtiyacı ve enerji tüketimi endişe verici bir oranda artmaktadır. Artan enerji talebini karşılamak için alternatif yenilenebilir enerji kaynaklarına ihtiyaç vardır. Mikrobiyal yakıt hücreleri (MYH’ler) atıklardan direk elektrik üretimi ve eş zamanlı olarak atıkların arıtımının gerçekleştirilmesinden dolayı yenilenebilir enerji üretimi açısından son yıllarda oldukça dikkat çekmektedir. Diğer taraftan mikroalgler, bünyelerinde enerji değeri yüksek bileşikleri depolaması ve fotosentez yoluyla CO2’yi uzaklaştırarak oksijen üretmesi nedeniyle yenilenebilir enerji üretimi alanında ve çevresel uygulamalarda ön plana çıkmıştır. Son yıllarda mikroalglerin MYH sistemlerinde kullanılması ile mikroalglerin MYH’nin verimliliğini artırabildiği ve biyoelektrik üretimi için uygun maliyetli ve sürdürülebilir bir yaklaşım sağlayabildiği anlaşılmıştır. Mikroalg tabanlı MYH’ler (MT-MYH) diğer MYH sistemlerine kıyasla daha fazla sürdürülebilir olmasına rağmen, şu an literatürdeki veriler yetersizdir. Bu sistemlerin verimliliğini artırmak ve büyük ölçekli uygulamaların yaygınlaşabilmesi için bu sistemler üzerine yapılan araştırmaların arttırılması gerekmektedir. Bu çalışmada sürdürülebilir bir biyoenerji üretimi için mikroalg tabanlı MYH’ler detaylı bir şekilde analiz edilerek ele alınmıştır.
Cunhao Meng, Shengnian Dai
Highlights in Science Engineering and Technology • 2025
Microbial fuel cells (MFC), as a sustainable and eco-friendly technology, exhibit a dual advantage of "waste-to-resource conversion" in the remediation of heavy metal-laden wastewater. This approach leverages electroactive microorganisms to metabolize organic substrates for bioelectricity generation while concurrently driving the reduction and immobilization of toxic heavy metals. This review systematically elucidates the mechanisms, reactor configurations, and microbial synergies involved in MFC-mediated heavy metal removal. Research findings demonstrate that MFC cathodes enable the bioelectrochemical reduction of highly toxic metal ions (e.g., Cr⁶⁺, Cu²⁺) into less toxic forms (e.g., Cr³⁺, Cu⁰) or elemental states, coupled with immobilization via hydroxide or sulfide precipitation. Dual-chamber MFCs achieve up to 92% reduction efficiency for high-concentration wastewater, while single-chamber and biocathode configurations facilitate cost-effective or sulfide-mediated multi-metal removal (e.g., PbS, CuS). Microbial consortia play a critical role: direct electron-transferring microorganisms (e.g., Shewanella, Geobacter) utilize cytochromes for metal reduction; sulfate-reducing bacteria generate S²⁻ to promote sulfide precipitation; and adsorbent microbes (e.g., Pseudomonas) immobilize metals via extracellular polymeric substances. However, practical applications remain constrained by challenges such as inefficient electron transfer, multi-metal competition, and long-term operational instability. Future research should prioritize innovations in electrode materials (e.g., MXene/biochar composites), strategies for electron allocation in multi-metal systems, and modular system integration to enhance treatment efficiency and resource recovery. This review offers theoretical and technical guidance for optimizing MFC in heavy metal wastewater treatment.
Marcin Zieliński, Marta Kisielewska, Paulina Rusanowska et al.
Energies • 2026
This study evaluated the feasibility of using effluent from the anodic chamber of a microbial fuel cell (MFC), powered by real fruit and vegetable wastewater, as a cultivation medium for Tetraselmis subcordiformis, a microalga capable of bio-photolytic hydrogen production. In three experimental variants, different organic loading rates were applied in the anodic chamber, resulting in significant differences in effluent quality and its suitability as a culture medium. In contrast to the dominant MFC configurations, in which microalgae act as cathodic biocatalysts, the microbial fuel cell in this study was used as a source of the inevitable anode effluent, which was subsequently valorized as a cultivation medium for the marine microalga T. subcordiformis to support biomass and hydrogen production. In variants with moderate COD concentration and low lipid content, the highest biomass concentrations, ranging from 941 ± 104 mg VS/L to 1020 ± 108 mg VS/L, were obtained, along with the highest nitrogen assimilation efficiency (48.7–49.1%) and phosphorus assimilation efficiency (62.3–63.1%). The variant in which the culture medium contained the highest concentrations of COD, TSS, and lipids showed a substantial limitation of biomass growth to 745 ± 75 mg VS/L and lower nutrient removal efficiency (total nitrogen—42.3 ± 4.7%, total phosphorus—55.0 ± 5.0%). The obtained biomass was then used for H2 production in a mineral photobiolytic medium. The highest total hydrogen production reached 184.7 ± 25.0 mL, while the specific hydrogen yield reached 193.7 ± 32.6 mL/g VS. Increased concentration of organic matter in the medium reduced total hydrogen production to 112.0 ± 14.8 mL, mainly due to lower biomass concentration, although the specific hydrogen yield remained high (153.4 ± 25.8 mL/g VS). The biogas composition was stable (H2 58.0–58.7%, CO2 35.3–35.9%, O2 6.0–6.2%).
Sili Qing, Xiaoge Wu
Nano-electrochemistry & Nano-photochemistry • 2025
Abstract: Environmental pollution and the freshwater crisis are driving the need for innovative wastewater treatment solutions. Microalgal bioremediation has emerged as a sustainable technology for simultaneous contaminant removal (e.g., COD, nutrients, heavy metals) and biomass production. However, emerging contaminants, refractory pollutants, and complex wastewater matrices often inhibit microalgal growth and degradation efficiency. To address these challenges, this review systematically analyzes three hybrid integration strategies: (i) microalgal microbial fuel cells (MMFCs), (ii) microalgae-electrochemical advanced oxidation processes (EAOPs), and (iii) microalgae-photocatalytic systems. While existing literature extensively covers microalgal biotechnology, comprehensive analyses of its synergistic coupling with nanomaterial-based AOPs (electrochemical/photocatalytic) remain limited. This study elucidates the mechanisms, benchmarking performance, and novel enhancement strategies of these integrated systems, facilitating direct technology comparison. We highlight the multifunctional roles of microalgae in these hybrid systems, including bioelectricity generation (MMFCs), in situ oxygen supply (MMFCs and photocatalysis), and biodegradation to mitigate radical quenching (photocatalysis and EAOPs). The comparative advantages and limitations of each technology are critically evaluated, followed by forward-looking perspectives on system scalability, cost-efficiency, and real-world applicability.
Riya Pajiyar, Roma Roy, Arnab Gon et al.
Journal of Advanced Scientific Research • 2025
Due to huge demand for energy and restricted equipment, we are facing an ongoing global energy crisis. Renewable sources of power have yet to be properly used, and energy sources that are not renewable are constantly running up. The search for alternate energy generation routes is desperately needed. A feasible replacement is the application of microbial fuel cell (MFC) technology, who harnesses the chemical energy of organic material into electrical energy employing microorganisms. A number of studies has confirmed the latest findings on MFC, indicating that various kinds of microbes can be adapted to exploit a broad spectrum of carbon sources, including wastes. As a consequence, the microbe-mediated transformation of wastes utilising innovative bioremediation approaches, including MFC, for the production of electricity has been viewed as a beneficial and environmentally sound methodology. Combining an assortment of inorganic as well as organic substrates, microbial fuel cell systems (MFCs) utilise microbes and organic material in order to generate power using bacterial metabolism. MFCs are revolutionary bioreactors that use microorganisms to bio-catalyze various kinds of wastes (food, residential, agricultural, and food production sectors) while converting chemical energies into electrical electricity. MFC is a promising methodology with benefits like straightforward waste recyclability, by-product utilisation of various sources, and regulate, healthy, green energy generation. Additionally, there seems to have quite the amount of discussion in the usage of MFCs presently since scientific advances in electrode emergence and the deployment of compatible distinct rural and urban wastes.
Russbelt Yaulilahua-Huacho, Liliana Asunción Sumarriva-Bustinza, Felisícimo German Ramírez Rosales et al.
Revista Alfa • 2025
La producción de bioelectricidad a partir de plantas y hongos es importante actualmente porque ofrece una fuente de energía renovable, sostenible y limpia, contribuyendo a la reducción de emisiones contaminantes y diversificando las alternativas energéticas. Por consiguiente, el presente estudio tiene como objetivo sintetizar evidencia científica mediante el método PRISMA sobre la producción de bioelectricidad a través del uso de plantas y hongos. El presente estudio se realizó siguiendo rigurosamente el método PRISMA para garantizar transparencia y exhaustividad en la revisión sistemática. Además, el trabajo se desarrolló bajo un enfoque cuantitativo, de alcance descriptivo y con diseño longitudinal abarcando un período de 2008-2025. De 1,248 registros iniciales, 45 estudios fueron incluidos tras rigurosa selección PRISMA. El 56.5% se publicó entre 2020-2025, con picos en 2022 (7) y 2024 (6). El 78% de revistas aportó un solo estudio; solo 8.7% provino de bases regionales. Esta revisión sistemática confirma que los sistemas bioelectroquímicos híbridos (plantas-hongos) ofrecen una vía viable para generar energía sostenible y remediar residuos en condiciones climáticas extremas.
Noya LOEW, Isao SHITANDA, Masaji Tamura et al.
Electrochemistry • 2026
A screen-printed self-powered biosensor was developed to evaluate water toxicity. The biosensor consists of four photosynthetic microbial fuel cells connected in series and an LED indicator light. The bioanode is a screen-printed porous carbon electrode with an immobilized mediator and glucose oxidase, while the biocathode is a screen-printed porous carbon electrode with immobilized bilirubin oxidase and a screen-printed algal layer consisting of microalga Chlorella vulgaris embedded in alginate gel. Both the biocathode and fuel cell are light-responsive and atrazine-sensitive. The biocathode response is concentration-dependent up to 12 µM (M = mol dm−3) atrazine. The maximal power output of the fuel cell is 23.6 µW cm−2 under light irradiation. With a response time of 6 min, the self-powered biosensor is suitable as a rapid-response water toxicity monitoring system.
Carolina Montoya-Vallejo, J. Pedregosa Díaz, Francisco Jesús Fernández-Morales
Catalysts • 2026
Microbial fuel cells (MFC) are promising systems for wastewater treatment and electricity production; however, many technical and economic challenges must be overcome. One approach to improve MFC performance is the use of photosynthetic microorganisms at the cathode to supply oxygen and reduce aeration requirements. In this work, Chlorella sorokiniana was used as a cathodic biocatalyst, in order to supply oxygen while simultaneously obtaining high-value products. At the anode, an anaerobic mixed microbial culture was used as a biocatalyst. Different cathodic configurations were studied to evaluate the different cathodic catalytic mechanisms. Electrochemical characterization through cyclic voltammetry, polarization curves, biochemical analysis and SEM images was performed. Superior performance was achieved when employing microalgae as the cathodic oxygen source compared to systems relying on external aeration (128.7 mA/m2 vs. 45.2 mA/m2). The addition of methylene blue and sodium bicarbonate improved the current density (194.8 mA/m2 and 128.7 mA/m2). Results indicate that microalgae in the cathodic chamber could enhance MFC electrochemical performance and biomass production, boosting sustainable energy generation.
Ivana D. Radojević, Violeta D. Jakovljević
Separations • 2025
Surfactants are chemical compounds present in a large number of products that people use on a daily basis, starting with detergents for washing clothes, dishes, personal hygiene products, etc. Some products also contain certain heavy metals. Their uses cause heavy contamination of wastewater that must be purified before discharge into receivers. Given that some types of surfactants are very persistent and heavy metals are non-biodegradable and toxic even in small concentrations, the purification process requires a complex approach and a combination of different methods. Bioremediation, as an environmentally acceptable and economically clean technology, has great potential. It is based on the use of indigenous microorganisms that have developed different mechanisms for breaking down and removing or detoxifying a large number of pollutants and are excellent candidates for bioremediation of wastewater. Bacteria can degrade surfactants as sole carbon sources and exhibit tolerance to various heavy metals. This paper summarizes the most significant results, highlighting the potential of bacteria for the biodegradation of surfactants and heavy metals, with the aim of drawing attention to their insufficient practical application in wastewater treatment. Bioreactors and microbial fuel cells are described as currently relevant strategies for bioremediation.
Svetlana V. Smirnova, А. A. Zhdanova
Инновационное развитие агропромышленного, химического, лесного комплексов и рациональное природопользование: сборник материалов II Всероссийской научно-практической конференции • 2023
Marcelinus Christwardana, Sri Widodo Agung Suedy, Udi Harmoko
Eksergi • 2024
A scientometric investigation mapped the literature on biofilm development in Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs), revealing promising renewable energy prospects and waste treatment solutions. The analysis encompassed 16898 sources, predominantly research articles (12571), along with review papers, conference papers, books, and other publications. Network analysis highlighted key research clusters and subtopics, including biofilm characterization, electrode optimization, and monitoring/control technologies. Insights from biofilm research have led to innovative approaches like biofilm engineering and advanced analytical techniques, enhancing real-world applications. Integration of MFCs into sustainable development underscores biofilms' potential as eco-friendly and economically viable components of energy production systems.