Reactors for Microbial Electrobiotechnology

Abstract

From the first electromicrobial experiment to a sophisticated microbial electrochemical process - it all takes place in a reactor. Whereas the reactor design and materials used strongly influence the obtained results, there are no common platforms for MES reactors. This is a critical convention gap, as cross-comparison and benchmarking among MES as well as MES vs. conventional biotechnological processes is needed. Only knowledge driven engineering of MES reactors will pave the way to application and commercialization. In this chapter we first assess the requirements on reactors to be used for bioelectrochemical systems as well as potential losses caused by the reactor design. Subsequently, we compile the main types and designs of reactors used for MES so far, starting from simple H-cells to stirred tank reactors. We conclude with a discussion on the weaknesses and strengths of the existing types of reactors for bioelectrochemical systems that are scored on design criteria and draw conclusions for the future engineering of MES reactors.

Integrating Electrochemistry Into Bioreactors: Effect of the Upgrade Kit on Mass Transfer, Mixing Time and Sterilizability

“…As alternatives to polymer-based membranes, other (porous) materials can be applied. Here, the uses of ceramic or porous glass seem to be the materials of choice for the harsh sterilization conditions, but they have limitations in selectivity, and permeability (Krieg et al, 2019).…”

Same but different–Scale up and numbering up in electrobiotechnology and photobiotechnology

“…(A) Stirred tank reactor for electrobiotechnology with electrodes and a second chamber within the reactor; (B) Bubble column reactor with internal electrode and surrounding counter chamber for electrobiotechnology . Further reactor designs for electrobiotechnological reactors have been described by Krieg et al (2018) …”

“…As an example, the [40]. Further reactor designs for electrobiotechnological reactors have been described by [33] "All-in-One" electrode mentioned above could be used to place multiple electrodes into the same bioreactor [45].…”

“…In electrobiotechnology, two main setups of bioelectrochemical systems or reactors (BES) have been frequently used: a single‐chamber reactor and a two‐chamber system . In case of the single‐chamber system, the working and counter electrodes are placed within one and the same reactor chamber, and the reaction of interest takes place without a separation from the counter electrode reaction.…”

Engineering electrochemical CO2 reduction to formate under bioprocess‐compatible conditions to bioreactor scale

“…Nevertheless, for future in situ coupling of the electrochemical CO 2 reduction to formate with pure culture‐based biosynthesis of high value products, a reaction vessel is required that also assures sterile working conditions. Moreover, in order to become technologically relevant, one major aspect for the transfer to application is the scalability of a process from lab scale (usually test tube size) to industrial scale . This transfer is not straightforward, as (geometrically) identical reaction systems, e. g., at lab‐scale, pilot‐scale, and at full‐scale, exhibit different performances .…”