Development of a hybrid cell for energy production

Abstract

This study focuses on the development of a new hybrid biological material to be applied in the production of electrical energy. These organo-metallic cells are constituted by cyanobacteria (Fischerella muscicola) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). AgNPs were obtained by green synthesis using the extract of the fruit of the Berberis hallii plant as reducing agent with two different concentrations of silver nitrate (AgNO3), 1 and 10 mM. The morphology, physicochemical and electrical properties of the cyanobacteria with and without AgNPs were evaluated. To verify the efficacy of this new material, and the effect of the medium used, Nitrofoska or BG-11, the growth kinetics was evaluated by UV–vis up to t = 63 d with and without renewal of the culture medium and O2/CO2 exchange. Through morphological characterizations of Fischerella muscicola it was possible to identify the presence of an associated bacterium identified using molecular techniques as Pseudomona guguanensi that could act as a supporting organism in the growth of this cyanobacteria. The studies carried out did not shown cell toxicity for the cultures that have AgNPs and on the other hand, it was observed that the hybrid cells (Cy-AgNPs) are electron carriers recording an increase of up to 57% and 18% in their electrical potential with BG-11 and Nitrofoska culture media, respectively and an increase in the anodic current peak of 6.5% of Cy-AgNPs respect to only F. musicola.