A paper-based 48-well microbial fuel cell array for rapid and high-throughput screening of electrochemically active bacteria

Abstract

We demonstrate the use of a paper-based sensing platform for rapid and high-throughput characterization of microbial electricity-generating capabilities. For the first time, a 48-well microbial fuel cell (MFC) array was fabricated on paper substrates, providing 48 high-throughput measurements and highly comparable performance characteristics in a reliable manner. Spatially distinct 48 wells of the sensor array were prepared by patterning 48 hydrophilic reservoirs in paper with hydrophobic wax boundaries. The paper-based platform exploited the ability of paper to quickly wick fluid and promote bacterial attachment to the gold anode pads, resulting in an instant current generation upon loading of bacterial inoculum and catholyte. This paper-based 48-well MFC array does not require external pumps/tubings and represents the most rapid and the highest throughput test platform for electrogenic bacterial screening.