Bioelectrochemical Systems as a Multipurpose Biosensing Tool: Present Perspective and Future Outlook

Abstract

Microbial bioelectrocatalysis, the process of utilizing an intact microorganism for catalyzing redox reactions, has been rapidly expanding over the last 15 years. Although microbial bioelectrocatalysis has been primarily studied for power generation and wastewater treatment, this Minireview will focus on the use of bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) for biosensing applications. This will include sensors for water quality, corrosion, and toxic shock. We will also discuss the transition of BESs to photo‐BESs and discuss their recent applications in sensing. Finally, we will discuss the future outlook for microbial bioelectrocatalysis for biosensing applications.

Alginate‐Encapsulated Bacteria for the Treatment of Hypersaline Solutions in Microbial Fuel Cells

“…MFCs are bio‐electrochemical systems in which bacteria exchange electrons with solid electrode surfaces (anode and/or cathode), producing electricity . Although MFCs are characterized by a limited power output, particularly in hypersaline conditions, one of their important features is that they perform a self‐powered organic removal process and could be used as a biosensing tool to monitor the processes on‐line, tracking changes in the characteristic electrochemical parameters of the MFCs . Application of MFCs in the field has been recently reported, but hypersaline conditions constitute an additional challenge for the technology .…”

The Development of Biophotovoltaic Systems for Power Generation and Biological Analysis

“…Power output from BPV systems is often assessed using a power curve (Figure b), showing the external power delivered as a function of current . The power output can be used directly to report on parameters that affect the physiology of the organisms involved, allowing for the use of BPVs as environmental biosensors . Alternatively the power can be used to run external electrical devices.…”

“…[8] The power output can be used directly to report on parameters that affect the physiology of the organisms involved, allowing for the use of BPVs as environmental biosensors. [9] Alternatively the power can be used to run external electrical devices. The electron transfer kinetics and bioenergetics can be analysed using techniques such as chronoamperometry ( Figure 1c) and cyclic voltammetry (Figure 1d).…”

Sustainable Hypersaline Microbial Fuel Cells: Inexpensive Recyclable Polymer Supports for Carbon Nanotube Conductive Paint Anodes

“…80 %) that hasb een reported. [8] Further research is needed to achievet he commercial application of MFCs. [4] In the last 15 years, this technology has seen important advancements and im-provements, [5] and different prototypes have been reported and applied in field.…”

“…[6] Although MFCs are not yet commercially competitive forl arge-scale powerg eneration, some interesting applicationsc ould be implemented at the current technology stage.M FCsc an be utilized to power remote sensors for environmental monitoring [6a, 7] and applied directly as biosensing tools. [8] Further research is needed to achievet he commercial application of MFCs. In particular, more effort should be focused on the understandingo ft he fundamental bioelectrochemicalp rocesses of the technology, such as extracellular electron transfer and electron transportn etworks inside biofilms, [9] substrate oxidation, [10] and the oxygen consumption and redox processes at the cathode.…”