Microbial Electro-Biotechnology: Integrating Microbes with Bioelectrochemical Systems
Chukwudi Anthony Ugwuanyi
Department of Applied Microbiology Ebonyi State University Nigeria
Email:ugwuanyitony@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
Microbial electro-biotechnology is an emerging interdisciplinary field that integrates microorganisms with bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) such as microbial fuel cells (MFCs), microbial electrolysis cells (MECs), and microbial electrosynthesis systems. These systems exploit the capacity of electroactive microorganisms to catalyze extracellular electron transfer processes, thereby coupling microbial metabolism with electrical current generation, hydrogen production, or pollutant remediation. Fundamental advances in the understanding of bioanodes, biocathodes, electrode materials, and electron transfer mechanisms have enabled applications in wastewater treatment, energy recovery, bioremediation, biosensing, and integration with renewable energy systems. Despite their promise, large-scale adoption remains constrained by technical and economic barriers, including limited power output, material costs, and reactor complexity. Recent innovations in nanomaterials, reactor design, microbial consortia engineering, and hybridization with solar and wind energy highlight the potential of microbial electro-biotechnology as a sustainable pathway for energy production, waste valorization, and environmental remediation.
Keywords: Microbial electro-biotechnology; Bioelectrochemical systems (BESs); Microbial fuel cells (MFCs); Microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) and Extracellular electron transfer (EET).