Microbial Electrosynthesis

Abstract

Electrobiosynthesis conducted by microorganisms represents a new technology with great potential. This review considers mechanisms of direct electron transfer from cathode to bacterial cell and a number of anaerobic processes catalyzed with such transport: the biosynthesis of hydrogen, methane, and multicarbon compounds. The possibilities for the use of electrolysis hydrogen to grow hydrogen oxidizing bacteria are also considered, as well as some examples of electricity that influence the reductive and oxidative processes occurring during fermentation. Realization of the electric biosynthesis potential would require deep fundamental research on the mechanisms of extracellular electron transport and the coupling of electric and metabolic processes. Work would be required to reorganize microbial genomes to intensify their metabolism and broaden the repertoire of synthesized metabolites. Progress in these technologies would depend not only on improvements in microorganisms but also on the successful creation of effective biocompatible electrodes and the designing of highly productive reactors.