Extracellular Electron Transfer in Bioelectrochemically Active Microorganisms

Abstract

Bioelectrochemical systems, such as microbial fuel cells and microbial electrosynthesis, are promising technology for energy generation and organic compound production. In the bioelectrochemical systems, extracellular electron transfer is essential in which c-type cytochrome, electrically conductive nanowires, and electron shuttles play key roles. This chapter reviews the underlying molecular mechanisms of the extracellular electron transfer by electrically active microorganisms, such as Geobacter sulfurreducens and Shewanella oneidensis, in the bioelectrochemical systems with recent findings.