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The Planktonic Relationship Between Fluid‐Like Electrodes and Bacteria: Wiring in Motion
Author(s) -
TejedorSanz Sara,
Quejigo Jose Rodrigo,
Berná Antonio,
EsteveNúñez Abraham
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
chemsuschem
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.412
H-Index - 157
eISSN - 1864-564X
pISSN - 1864-5631
DOI - 10.1002/cssc.201601329
Subject(s) - bacteria , fluid motion , electrode , chemistry , chemical engineering , nanotechnology , materials science , mechanics , physics , biology , engineering , genetics
We have explored a new concept in bacteria‐electrode interaction based on the use of fluid‐like electrodes and planktonic living cells. We show for the first time that living in a biofilm is not a strict requirement for Geobacter sulfurreducens to exchange electrons with an electrode. The growth of planktonic electroactive G. sulfurreducens could be supported by a fluid‐like anode as soluble electron acceptors and with electron transfer rates similar to those reported for electroactive biofilms. This growth was maintained by uncoupling the charge (catabolism) and discharge (extracellular respiration) processes of the cells. Our results reveal a novel method to culture electroactive bacteria in which every single cell in the medium could be instantaneously wired to a fluid‐like electrode. Direct extracellular electron transfer is occurring but with a new paradigm behind the bacteria–electrode interaction.