Development of a Bio-Digital Interface Powered by Microbial Fuel Cells

Jiseon You,Rolf Hughes,Rachel Armstrong,Arjuna Mendis,Julie Freeman,John Greenman,Stephen Wolff,Ioannis A Ieropoulos

doi:10.3390/su14031735

Abstract

This paper reports the first relatable bio-digital interface powered by microbial fuel cells (MFCs) that was developed to inform the public and introduce the concept of using live microbes as waste processors within our homes and cities. An innovative design for the MFC and peripherals system was built as a digital data generator and bioreactor, with a custom-built energy-harvesting controller that was connected to the system to enable efficient system operation using adaptive dynamic cell reconfiguration and transmit data for the bio-digital interface. This system has accomplished multiple (parallel) tasks such as electricity generation, wastewater treatment and autonomous operation. Moreover, the controller demonstrated that microbial behaviour and consequent system operation can benefit from smart algorithms. In addition to these technical achievements, the bio-digital interface is a site for the production of digital art that aims to gain acceptance from a wider-interest community and potential audiences by showcasing the capabilities of living microorganisms in the context of green technologies.

Highlights

Accepted: 8 January 2022 the first discovery of microbial electricity generation was made over 100 years ago [1], attention towards microbial fuel cell (MFC) technology has only begun to grow fairly recently (1990s), and it is still unfamiliar to the public
The first human–microbial interactive bio-digital interface powered by MFCs was
The first human–microbial interactive bio-digital interface powered by MFCs was developed and continuously operated over a one-year period

Summary

Introduction

The first discovery of microbial electricity generation was made over 100 years ago [1], attention towards microbial fuel cell (MFC) technology has only begun to grow fairly recently (1990s), and it is still unfamiliar to the public. Microbial fuel cell technology is being developed for real-world implementation as a commercially viable product, with demonstrations in various settings such as public science events, music festivals [5] and field trials [6], as an essential tool for technology evaluation. One of the previous study investigated user perception of the technology where everyday use enabled end users to understand its benefits [7].

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