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image/svg+xml Jakob Voss, based on art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina and Beao Closed Access logo, derived from PLoS Open Access logo. This version with transparent background. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Closed_Access_logo_transparent.svg Jakob Voss, based on art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina and Beao PURE Aarhus Universi...arrow_drop_down
image/svg+xml Jakob Voss, based on art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina and Beao Closed Access logo, derived from PLoS Open Access logo. This version with transparent background. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Closed_Access_logo_transparent.svg Jakob Voss, based on art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina and Beao
PURE Aarhus University
Doctoral thesis . 2024
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Understanding extracellular electron transfer in electromicrobiology

Authors: Wang, Bo; id_orcid 0000-0001-7002-7901;

Understanding extracellular electron transfer in electromicrobiology

Abstract

Extracellular Electron Transfer (EET) in electroactive microorganisms (EAMs) is a beneficial process facilitating microbe communication with the external environment, electron release, and energy recharge. One significant application, called electromethanogenesis (EM) leverages EAMs interacting with electrodes, enhancing electron transfer rates, addressing electron shortages, and concurrently yielding value-added chemicals and fuels. External power is required to overcome thermodynamical barriers, but the prolonged electricity input is not environmentally friendly, and is a big challenge in remote areas lacking enough electrical access. Natural solar light as a green driving-power, however, is constrained in day/night intermittence. Multicellular filamentous cable bacteria composed of conductive periplasmic fibers play a pivotal role in biogeochemical cycling and exhibit promising potential in developing bioelectronic materials. However, the underlying conductor compositions, conduction mechanisms, interaction with electrodes, and many other basic metabolic and molecular features of cable bacteria remain elusive. To address if natural solar-intermittent power can effectively drive EM, a natural solar-intermittent bioelectrocatalysis system was successfully established to boost EM and recover bioenergy from wastewater (organic source) and waste (inorganic carbon source, exhausted gas, CO2). This was achieved through long-term monitoring of bioreactor indicators such as electrical current, gas production, and basic chemistry parameters. In-depth mechanism investigations encompassed electrochemistry, biofilm visualization, microbial community structures, functional genes, and more. On a complementary front, a fundamental exploration delved into understanding the long-distance electron transfer (LDET) mechanism in cable bacteria, along with identifying compound candidates for conductive periplasmic fibers. To that end, I developed a proteomics protocol for sequential protein extraction, which indicated that PilA, a major subunit of type IV pili (T4P), cannot be part of the fibers. Instead, it hinted towards another, potentially metal-binding, protein candidate. Further, I developed an anti-PilA nanobody for PilA localization in native cable bacteria. Preliminary data corroborate the absence of PilA from the fibers and suggest a role in gliding motility rather than conductivity.Together, by the investigation of applications and fundamental directions in EAMs, the development of a carbon-neutral technology utilizing solar power for bioenergy recovery, and the integration of multiple molecular toolboxes to understand LDET, will pave the way for broader applications in the field of electromicrobiology.

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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
Average
Average
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