FUEL 125 |
| Recent studies have demonstrated that the power output of Geobacter- based microbial fuel cells meets or exceeds that of undefined, mixed cultures. These fuel cells have the added advantage that they can be systematically investigated with genome-based technologies. Microarray analysis revealed significant upregulation in fuel cells of genes involved in the production of the electrically conductive pili, known as microbial nanowires, as well as several outer-membrane c-type cytochromes. Genetic studies demonstrated that nanowires and the outer-membrane cytochrome, omcZ, were absolutely required for high-density power production. G. sulfurreducens strains were adapted for faster extracellular electron transfer and to transfer electrons at significantly lower potentials than wild-type cells. Resequencing of the genomes of the adapted strains is providing insights into the mechanisms for this self-optimization for power production. These studies, coupled with genome-based in silico modeling, are aiding in optimizing microbial fuel cell output in a rational rather than an empirical manner. |
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Fuel Cell Technology: Biofuel Cells, Enzymatic and Microbial
8:25 AM-11:45 AM, Tuesday, August 21, 2007 Boston Park Plaza -- Arlington Rm, Oral
Division of Fuel Chemistry |