Mechanism(s) of Electricity Production by Shewanella and Other Microbes: Understanding and Optimization

Abstract

In the five years of this MURI program, we have made major advances in several areas, including: 1) power production optimization; 2) MFC design; 3) identification of the genes coding for the proteins involved with electricity production by Shewanella oneidensis (MR-1); 4) construction of conceptual models of extracellular electron transport (EET); 5) characterization and quantification of the per cell rates of EET to solid substrates; 6) characterization of a previously undescribed behavioral adaptation of microbes to charged surfaces called electrokinesis (and the impact of surface charge on bacterial attachment and biofilm formation); 7) the use of Vertical Scanning Interferometry for cell and biofilm analyses; 8) the design and implementation of a new type of (Deep Ultraviolet Light) microscope for non-invasive studies of microbes on surfaces; 8) detailed biophysical studies of the mechanism of electron transfer in conductive appendages called bacterial nanowires, produced by MR-1 and other Shewanella strains and species; 9) characterization of the selective advantages of Shewanella cells in late stationary phase, and the relationship of this metabolic state to the long term function of MFC systems; and, 10) characterization of the activities of microbes acting as catalysts on the cathodes of MFC systems. During this time, we published over *** reviewed papers, presented over 100 talks at scientific meetings, and collaborated with colleagues from around the world.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 2012
Accession Number
ADA585449

Entities

People

  • Andreas Luettge
  • Kenneth H. Nealson
  • Moh El-naggar
  • Steven E. Finkel
  • Yuri Gorby

Organizations

  • University of Southern California

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Bacteria
  • Bacteroidaceae
  • Biological Sciences
  • Cells
  • Cellular Structures
  • Chemistry
  • Earth Sciences
  • Ecology
  • Electron Transfer
  • Fuel Cells
  • Genetics
  • Jet Propulsion
  • Metal Oxides
  • Microbial Fuel Cells
  • Microbiology
  • Microorganisms
  • Military Research

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Microbial Pathology
  • Nanoscale Plasmonic Nanotechnology

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology
  • Microelectronics