Bioelectricity (electromicrobiology) and sustainability

Abstract

Electromicrobiology is the domain of those prokaryotes able to interact with charged electrodes, using them as electron donors and/or electron acceptors. This is performed via a process called extracellular electron transport, in which outer membrane cytochromes are used to oxidize and/or reduce otherwise unavailable insoluble electron acceptors. EET-capable bacteria can thus be used for a variety of purposes, ranging from small power sources, water reclamation, to pollution remediation and electrosynthesis. Because the study of EET-capable bacteria is in its nascent phase, the applications are mostly in developmental stages, but the potential for significant contributions to environmental quality is high and moving forward.