Shewanella Oneidensis MR-1 Msh Pilin Proteins are Involved in Extracellular Electron Transfer in Microbial Fuel Cells
Abstract
Shewanella is a microbial genus that can oxidize lactate for the reduction of insoluble electron acceptors. This reduction is possible by either direct (cell surface interaction, nanowires) or indirect (soluble redox mediators) mechanisms. However, the actual molecular identification of a nanowire has not been determined. Through mutational studies, Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 was analyzed for its ability to transfer electrons to an electrode after deletion of the structural pilin genes ( mshA-D) or the entire biosynthetic expression system ( mshH-Q) of one of its pilin complexes (Msh type IV pilus gene locus). The complete removal of the Msh complex ( mshH-Q) significantly decreased the current generated from a fuel cell compared to MR-1. However, the mutant with only extracellular Msh structural proteins removed ( mshA-D) was able to generate 80% of the current compared to MR-1. Thus, the intracellular and membrane bound Msh biogenesis complex is a pathway for extracellular electron transfer in S. oneidensis MR-1.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA553026
Entities
People
- Bradley R. Ringeisen
- Brenda J. Little
- Candace J. Cooper
- Emily R. Peterson
- Erinn C. Howard
- Justin C Biffinger
- Lisa A. Fitzgerald
- Richard I. Ray
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory