1,721,009 research outputs found
Purple bacteria photo-bioelectrochemistry: Enthralling challenges and opportunities
No full textPurple non-sulfur bacteria are anoxygenic photosynthetic microorganisms characterized by an extremely versatile metabolism, allowing them to grow in a broad variety of conditions as well as in the presence of different contaminants. This characteristic motivates the interest in their employment in photo-bioelectrochemical systems applicable in environments with dynamic physico-chemical properties. While the photochemistry of purple bacteria has been intensively studied, their photo-bioelectrochemistry and extracellular electron transfer process with an electrode surface remain largely unexplored. Herein, the process of harvesting electrons from intact purple bacteria is reviewed, and the perspective of enthralling future research possibilities is presented, placing emphasis on the major challenges in the photo-bioelectrochemistry of purple bacteria
The journey toward microbial photo-electrochemical biosensors: harnessing photosynthetic organisms for next-generation environmental sensing
No full textThe urgent need for cost-effective and reliable environmental monitoring systems has sparked interest in developing innovative biosensing platforms. Among these, microbial photoelectrochemical biosensors, which leverage the unique properties of photosynthetic microorganisms, have emerged as promising tools for environmental analysis. This perspective examines recent advances in microbial photoelectrochemical biosensor technology, focusing on the fundamental mechanisms of photosynthetic organisms and their integration with materials science. The current limitations in the implementation of microbial photoelectrochemical biosensors will be discussed, highlighting emerging solutions through nanomaterial integration and exploring how these biological systems can be engineered to detect environmental pollutants. Accordingly, a roadmap to transform these biological systems into practical environmental monitoring tools is presented, paving the way to unprecedented opportunities for the development of sustainable, sensitive, and targeted microbial biosensing platforms for real-world pollutant detection. To fully utilize the promise of these next-generation biosensing platforms, future research should concentrate on enhancing signal transduction and its stability over time, optimizing biointerface engineering, and encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration
Bioelectrochemical Systems as a Multipurpose Biosensing Tool: Present Perspective and Future Outlook
No full textMicrobial bioelectrocatalysis, the process of utilizing an intact microorganism for catalyzing redox reactions, has been rapidly expanding over the last 15 years. Although microbial bioelectrocatalysis has been primarily studied for power generation and wastewater treatment, this Minireview will focus on the use of bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) for biosensing applications. This will include sensors for water quality, corrosion, and toxic shock. We will also discuss the transition of BESs to photo-BESs and discuss their recent applications in sensing. Finally, we will discuss the future outlook for microbial bioelectrocatalysis for biosensing applications
Microbial fuel cells in saline and hypersaline environments: Advancements, challenges and future perspectives
No full textThis review is aimed to report the possibility to utilize microbial fuel cells for the treatment of saline and hypersaline solutions. An introduction to the issues related with the biological treatment of saline and hypersaline wastewater is reported, discussing the limitation that characterizes classical aerobic and anaerobic digestions. The microbial fuel cell (MFC) technology, and the possibility to be applied in the presence of high salinity, is discussed before reviewing the most recent advancements in the development of MFCs operating in saline and hypersaline conditions, with their different and interesting applications. Specifically, the research performed in the last 5 years will be the main focus of this review. Finally, the future perspectives for this technology, together with the most urgent research needs, are presented
Decoupling energy and power
No full textBiological photovoltaic devices (BPVs) use photosynthetic microorganisms to produce electricity, but low photocurrent generation impedes their application. Now, a micro-scale flow-based BPV system is reported with power density outputs similar to that of large-scale biofuels
Self-Powered Biosensors
Full text linkSelf-powered electrochemical biosensors utilize biofuel cells as a simultaneous power source and biosensor, which simplifies the biosensor system, because it no longer requires a potentiostat, power for the potentiostat, and/or power for the signaling device. This review article is focused on detailing the advances in the field of self-powered biosensors and discussing their advantages and limitations compared to other types of electrochemical biosensors. The review will discuss self-powered biosensors formed from enzymatic biofuel cells, organelle-based biofuel cells, and microbial fuel cells. It also discusses the different mechanisms of sensing, including utilizing the analyte being the substrate/fuel for the biocatalyst, the analyte binding the biocatalyst to the electrode surface, the analyte being an inhibitor of the biocatalyst, the analyte resulting in the blocking of the bioelectrocatalytic response, the analyte reactivating the biocatalyst, Boolean logic gates, and combining affinity-based biorecognition elements with bioelectrocatalytic power generation. The final section of this review details areas of future investigation that are needed in the field, as well as problems that still need to be addressed by the field
Facilitated Electron Hopping in Nanolayer Oxygen-Insensitive Glucose Biosensor for Application in a Complex Matrix
No full textElectrochemical experimental evidence of facilitated electron transfer in a sub-micrometer biosensor is presented. Layer-by-layer self-assembled deposition provides the unique advantage to specifically control the thickness of the biosensors, allowing an oxygen-insensitive device with a film thickness of 70 nanometers to be obtained. The biosensor is based on a poly(allylamine) osmium redox mediator and glucose 1-oxidase. The immobilized enzyme contributes to the signal generation through the full biosensor thickness, with no loss of “active enzyme” in the outer layer of the biosensor through reaction with oxygen, as reported in the case of thick redox hydrogels. The application of the biosensor in complex matrices was approached with tests in wastewater. Encapsulation of the biosensor with Nafion® membrane ensured the protection of the enzyme molecules from the external environment, allowing the successful application of the sensor in a complex matrix
Rational design of artificial redox-mediating systems toward upgrading photobioelectrocatalysis
Full text linkPhotobioelectrocatalysis has recently attracted particular research interest owing to the possibility to achieve sunlight-driven biosynthesis, biosensing, power generation, and other niche applications. However, physiological incompatibilities between biohybrid components lead to poor electrical contact at the biotic-biotic and biotic-abiotic interfaces. Establishing an electrochemical communication between these different interfaces, particularly the biocatalyst-electrode interface, is critical for the performance of the photobioelectrocatalytic system. While different artificial redox mediating approaches spanning across interdisciplinary research fields have been developed in order to electrically wire biohybrid components during bioelectrocatalysis, a systematic understanding on physicochemical modulation of artificial redox mediators is further required. Herein, we review and discuss the use of diffusible redox mediators and redox polymer-based approaches in artificial redox-mediating systems, with a focus on photobioelectrocatalysis. The future possibilities of artificial redox mediator system designs are also discussed within the purview of present needs and existing research breadth
Tuning purple bacteria salt-tolerance for photobioelectrochemical systems in saline environments
No full textThe development of photobioelectrochemical systems is an exciting field requiring a combination of electrochemical, biological and material science knowledge. One of the main advantages of applying anoxygenic photosynthetic microorganisms versus non-photosynthetic bacteria is the possibility to utilize sunlight as the energy source, while removing organic contaminants from a solution. Since bacterial cells utilize energy to maintain the intracellular osmolarity, bacterial species that do not rely on organic species as an energy source have an advantage over species requiring them for their sustainment. Herein, we discuss the possible use of Rhodobacter capsulatus, an extremely versatile photosynthetic purple bacteria, for application in environments within a range of low to moderately high salinity (0-25 g L-1 NaCl). Bacterial cells' capability to adapt to changing salinity, and effects on bioelectrochemical performance will be presented, as well as major drawbacks and research needs to drive future efforts and discussions
Editors' Choice-Review-Exploration of Computational Approaches for Understanding Microbial Electrochemical Systems: Opportunities and Future Directions
Full text linkMicrobial electrochemical systems offer valuable opportunities in the field of electrochemistry for a wide range of applications and fundamental insights. Applications include renewable power generation, electrosynthesis, and sensing, and provide a critical platform for understanding fundamental electrochemical processes between biotic and abiotic components. However, despite several research efforts, the fundamental electron transfer mechanisms inherent to microbial bioelectrochemical systems remain poorly understood, limiting their full potential and applications. This lack of fundamental understanding stems from both the conceptual and experimental complexity of microbial electrochemical systems. In this context, the possibility of multi-disciplinary research utilizing computational methods provides a powerful tool for this field. Herein, we critically review how computational studies and methods employed to study microbial electrochemical systems in multiple dimensions can be used to clarify the different factors governing microbial electrochemical systems. This discussion addresses how the combination of various techniques can enhance fundamental understanding, providing scientists with tools for the rational design of improved systems and opening exciting new research opportunities
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