Geobacter sulfurreducens, a non-pathogenic anaerobic bacteria, has a unique ability to transfer electrons outside of its cells, which opens up applications in bioremediation and microbial fuel cells (MFCs).
In bioremediation, geobacter sulfurreducens can render toxic uranium and halogenated compounds safe through reduction. For MFCs, geobacter can transfer electrons to the surface of an electrode, resulting in electric current production. MFC technology possesses many advantages over other fuel cell technologies, especially in its low costs, long lifetime, sustainability, and environmental safety.
However, these two applications are limited because wild-type geobacter sulfurreducens has a limited range of carbonaceous sources that it is able to oxidize to produce electrons (e.g. acetate, hydrogen, and some aromatic compounds).
In this patented invention, Dr. Lovley’s lab group has genetically engineered novel strains of Geobacter sulfurreducens that can utilize oxygen-rich molecules (i.e., sugars and glycerol) to generate electricity. These energy-dense molecules are present in large quantities in the waste streams of sewage treatment, biodiesel production, and agricultural processes. This invention vastly expands the economic and environmental benefits and applications of bioremediation and MFCs.
