Burning questions: Exploring the limits of microbial electrochemical technology for industrial biotechnological applications.
Bin LaiPublished in: Microbial biotechnology (2023)
Microbial electrochemical technology (MET) has proven to be a promising solution to overcome the redox and energy metabolic constraints, enabling high yields of biosynthesis beyond stoichiometric limits. While there is room for improvement in extracellular electron transfer rates and productivity of the target compounds, it is crucial to think in advance about which bioprocess could be electrified and what would face major challenges. In this opinion paper, I presented and addressed interfacial electron transfer capacity of MET, whether built on biofilm or planktonic cells, and also discussed the upper limits of the MET system for biosynthesis of chemicals accordingly. Potential future application scenarios of different MET were also briefly addressed. This opinion paper aims to encourage the community to rethink the design and development of microbial electrochemical technologies for potential future applications in industrial biotechnology.
Keyphrases
- electron transfer
- tyrosine kinase
- microbial community
- climate change
- wastewater treatment
- heavy metals
- current status
- induced apoptosis
- gold nanoparticles
- healthcare
- staphylococcus aureus
- pseudomonas aeruginosa
- human health
- mass spectrometry
- cell proliferation
- signaling pathway
- molecularly imprinted
- biofilm formation
- high resolution
- simultaneous determination
- solid state
- tandem mass spectrometry