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Role of Microorganisms in Microbial Fuel Cells for Bioelectricity Production

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Microbial Factories

Abstract

The catalytic microorganisms oxidise the organic matter to produce electrical energy in microbial fuel cells (MFCs). The microorganisms that can shuttle the electrons exogenously to the electrode surface without utilising artificial mediators are referred as exoelectrogens. The microorganisms produce specific proteins or genes for their inevitable performance towards electricity generation in MFCs. Multiple studies have confirmed the expression of certain genes for outer membrane multiheme cytochromes (e.g. OmcZ), redox-active compounds (e.g. pyocyanin), conductive pili, and their potential roles in the exoelectrogenic activity of various microorganisms, particularly in the members of Geobacteraceae and Shewanellaceae family. This chapter explores the various mechanisms of microorganisms that are advantageous for the technology: biofilm formation, metabolism, electron transfer mechanisms from inside the microorganisms to the electrodes and vice versa.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Engineering Technology, Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP), LebuhrayaTunRazak, 26300, Gambang, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia

    Ravinder Kumar, Lakhveer Singh & Zularisam Ab. Wahid

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  1. Ravinder Kumar
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  2. Lakhveer Singh
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  3. Zularisam Ab. Wahid
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Correspondence to Lakhveer Singh .

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  1. Microbial Biotechnology and Genomics, CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Delhi University Campus, Delhi, India

    Vipin Chandra Kalia

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Kumar, R., Singh, L., Wahid, Z.A. (2015). Role of Microorganisms in Microbial Fuel Cells for Bioelectricity Production. In: Kalia, V. (eds) Microbial Factories. Springer, New Delhi. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-81-322-2598-0_9

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