Electrogenic Single-Species Biocomposites as Anodes for Microbial Fuel Cells.
Integration of electrogenic microorganisms remains a challenge in biofuel cell technology. Here, synthetic biocomposites ("artificial biofilms") are proposed. Bacteria (Shewanella oneidensis) are embedded in a hydrogel matrix (poly(vinyl alcohol)) via wet- and electrospinning, creating fibers and nonwoven gauzes. The bacteria remain viable and metabolically active. The performance is compared to S. oneidensis suspension cultures and "natural" biofilms. While lower than with the suspension cultures, the power output from the fuel cells with the artificial biofilms is higher than with the natural one. Handling, reproducibility, and stability are also better. Artificial biofilms can therefore contribute to resolving fundamental issues of design, scale up, and monosepsis in biofuel cell technology.
Process Biotechnology, University of Bayreuth, 95447, Bayreuth, Germany.
Patrick
P
Kaiser
Macromolecular Chemistry II and Bayreuth Center for Colloid and Interface Science, University of Bayreuth, 95447, Bayreuth, Germany.
Steffen
S
Reich
Chair of Materials Processing, University of Bayreuth, 95447, Bayreuth, Germany.
Daniel
D
Leykam
Chair of Materials Processing, University of Bayreuth, 95447, Bayreuth, Germany.
Monika
M
Willert-Porada
Macromolecular Chemistry II and Bayreuth Center for Colloid and Interface Science, University of Bayreuth, 95447, Bayreuth, Germany.
Andreas
A
Greiner
Process Biotechnology, University of Bayreuth, 95447, Bayreuth, Germany.
Ruth
R
Freitag
D001674:Bioelectric Energy Sources / Q000382:microbiology*; D018441:Biofilms / Q000254:growth & development*; D020100:Hydrogels / Q000737:chemistry*; D011142:Polyvinyl Alcohol / Q000737:chemistry*; D020592:Shewanella / Q000502:physiology*
D020100:Hydrogels; D011142:Polyvinyl Alcohol
Shewanella oneidensis; biological application of polymers; electrospinning; fibers; hydrogels