Search Results - toshiyuki+ueki

This invention demonstrates the functionalization of electronically conductive protein nanowires (e-PNs) with one or more peptides (e.g. “His-tag” , “HA-tag”) while maintaining, or possibly increasing, their conductivity. The ability to decorate e-PNs greatly expand the potential application in electronic devices and for the fabrication of electrically conductive composite materials.

With rapidly increasing proliferation and declining costs of renewable energy generation, methods of storing excess electricity become increasingly important. One such method was previously patented by Dr. Derek Lovley and Dr. Kelly Nevin. In their patented method, microorganisms use electricity to convert water and carbon dioxide into multi-carbon chemicals and fuels, akin to the reverse operation of a microbial fuel cell. This invention builds upon the inventors’ patent. Here, they created a genetically-modified strain of Geobacter sulfurreducens, whose electrical current consumption rate is more than 10x higher than the wild-type strain, greatly enhancing the conversion process. This new strain also provides a platform for producing a wide variety of high-value carbonaceous products previously not possible through this method.