Resorufin retainment by extracellular DNA ensures efficient extracellular electron transfer of Geobacter biofilm

Abstract

Electrochemically active bacteria (EAB) have promising applications in renewable energy recovery, biofuel production, environmental remediation, and wastewater treatment. Resazurin (RZ) is an effective exogenous electron mediator to facilitate extracellular electron transfer (EET) in EAB, but it is not fully understood that how it catalyzes EET within thick electroactive biofilm. Using Geobacter sulfurreducens as a model EAB, this study investigated the effect and mechanisms of RZ-mediated electron transfer in anode biofilm in a bioelectrochemical system. It was found that the amendment of RZ substantially enhanced current generation of anode biofilm, and the facilitating effect of RZ remained even after fresh electrolyte replacement without RZ replenishment. As an intermediate product of RZ, resorufin (RR) was the actual electron shuttle retained within the entire anode biofilm, responsible for the observed stable electron shuttling efficiency. The retention of RR in anode biofilm might be the consequences of insoluble RR deposition and RR binding with extracellular DNA (eDNA) through intercalative interactions. This study provided in vivo and in vitro evidences for the first time that eDNA provided binding sites for RR in Geobacter biofilm, and proposed a novel electron shuttling mechanism of phenoxazine catalyzing efficient EET of electroactive biofilm.