Capturing the signal of weak electricigens: a worthy endeavour

Recently several non-traditional electroactive microorganisms have been discovered. These can be considered weak electricigens; microorganisms that typically rely on soluble electron acceptors and donors in their lifecycle but are also capable of extracellular electron transfer (EET), resulting in e...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:	Trends in biotechnology (Regular ed.) 2022-05, Vol.40 (5), p.564-575
Main Authors:	Aiyer, Kartik, Doyle, Lucinda E.
Format:	Article
Language:	eng
Subjects:	Bioelectric Energy Sources bioelectrochemistry Biofilms Biogeochemistry Electrochemical Techniques Electrochemistry Electrodes electromicrobiology Electron transfer Electron Transport extracellular electron transfer Fermentation Life cycle analysis Listeria Low currents Mammals Medical research Metabolism microbial electrochemistry Microorganisms Pathogens
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Summary:	Recently several non-traditional electroactive microorganisms have been discovered. These can be considered weak electricigens; microorganisms that typically rely on soluble electron acceptors and donors in their lifecycle but are also capable of extracellular electron transfer (EET), resulting in either a low, unreliable, or otherwise unexpected current. These unanticipated electroactive microorganisms represent a new chapter in electromicrobiology and have important medical, environmental, and biotechnological relevance. As such, it is essential to continue the momentum of their discovery. However, their study poses unique challenges due to their low current output. Capturing their signal necessitates novel approaches including unconventional electrode choice, the use of sensitive electrochemical techniques, and modifications of conventional experiments that use bioelectrochemical systems (BES). Recent years have witnessed the discovery of several non-traditional electroactive microorganisms with important medical, environmental, and biotechnological relevance.These microorganisms typically rely on soluble electron acceptors and donors in their lifecycle but are also capable of extracellular electron transfer (EET), resulting in either a low, unreliable, or otherwise unexpected current. As such they can be categorised as ‘weak electricigens’.Due to their low current output, there are specific challenges to capturing their signal. This requires a careful analysis of the techniques available in adjacent fields.
ISSN:	0167-7799 1879-3096