THE. coli, short for the bacteria Escherichia coli, does not generally enjoy a favorable reputation due to its association with food poisoning. However, it is important to recognize that this microorganism is not just an enemy; it can also be a remarkable ally in various technological developments. One of the most recent breakthroughs is its role in mining bioelectricity Since Waste.
Traditionally, wastewater was mainly used for the production of compost and biogas. However, scientists from the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) have discovered an innovative approach to use this waste stream: producing renewable electricity.
What is bioelectricity and how does it. coli generates it
Bioelectricity refers to the remarkable ability of certain microorganisms to produce electrical signals, including extracellular electron transfer (EET) via their metabolic processes. These unique microorganisms, known as generator, have the power to harness bioelectricity. Historically, the E. coli bacteria has had difficulty carrying out this process.
However, due to its resilience and ubiquity in diverse environments, E. coli has become one of the most widely used bacteria in genetic research. Its main role is to host introduce foreign DNA strands from other organismsallowing scientists to study their behavior in protein production, a field known as metabolic engineering.
Pioneering EPFL researchers decided to exploit the versatile nature of E. coli for a different purpose. By incorporating components from a bacterium called Shewanella oneidensis MR-1, a well-established electrogenic microorganism, they achieved a breakthrough: the ability to make E. coli bacteria generate bioelectricity from matter organic present in wastewater. The essence of their success lies in optimize a pathway for efficient electron transfer across inner and outer membranes cells of E. coli.
After demonstrating the effectiveness of the system in the controlled enclosure of a laboratory, the researchers tested it using wastewater from a Lausanne factory. beer brewery. Surprisingly, the other bacteria in the mixture failed to survive, while E. modified coli managed to survive. triple typical efficiency seen in such renewable energy systems.
This marks a significant departure from the conventional practice of using electricity to process organic matter, as the new technique allows for the production of electricity rather than its consumption. The implications are profound; wastewater treatment systems could potentially evolve into small-scale systems, sustainable power plants of the future.
The potential of this approach extends beyond wastewater. It holds promise for a wide range of biotechnology advances, including microbial batteries, electrosynthesis and biosensors. Moreover, bacteria can be tuned to generate different levels of bioelectricity depending on the specific environment and the type of organic matter processed.
Bacteria-based biobatteries
In previous discussions, we have explored the use of bacteria to produce electricity, although in different contexts. One notable application involves recently introduced software biological battery featuring a seven square meter panel that can produce up to 15 Wh/day in any garden. Here the bacteria feed on the irrigation water and the organic matter of the substrate, thus providing self-nutrition.sustainable energy source to illuminate green spaces and power small sensors.
Another area of interest in bioelectricity concerns a new generation of solar panels. Researchers engineered the E. coli bacteria to secrete lycopene, a natural pigment that facilitates photosynthesis in this experimental area. This innovation has enabled a major advance in the production of biogenic photovoltaic cells, the main challenge being ensuring the survival of bacteria throughout the process.
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