Probing single- to multi-cell level charge transport in Geobacter sulfurreducens DL-1

Xiaocheng Jiang, Jinsong Hu, Emily R. Petersen, Lisa A. Fitzgerald, Charles S. Jackan, Alexander M. Lieber, Bradley R. Ringeisen, Charles M. Lieber and Justin C. Biffinger ()
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Xiaocheng Jiang: Harvard University
Jinsong Hu: CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Nanostructure and Nanotechnology, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Emily R. Petersen: Nova Research, Inc.
Lisa A. Fitzgerald: US Naval Research Laboratory
Charles S. Jackan: Harvard University
Alexander M. Lieber: Harvard University
Bradley R. Ringeisen: US Naval Research Laboratory
Charles M. Lieber: Harvard University
Justin C. Biffinger: US Naval Research Laboratory

Nature Communications, 2013, vol. 4, issue 1, 1-6

Abstract: Abstract Microbial fuel cells, in which living microorganisms convert chemical energy into electricity, represent a potentially sustainable energy technology for the future. Here we report the single-bacterium level current measurements of Geobacter sulfurreducens DL-1 to elucidate the fundamental limits and factors determining maximum power output from a microbial fuel cell. Quantized stepwise current outputs of 92(±33) and 196(±20) fA are generated from microelectrode arrays confined in isolated wells. Simultaneous cell imaging/tracking and current recording reveals that the current steps are directly correlated with the contact of one or two cells with the electrodes. This work establishes the amount of current generated by an individual Geobacter cell in the absence of a biofilm and highlights the potential upper limit of microbial fuel cell performance for Geobacter in thin biofilms.

Date: 2013
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DOI: 10.1038/ncomms3751

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