The direct electrochemistry of viable Escherichia coli

Abstract

• Microwave irradiation can melt dsDNA into ssDNA in E. coli and maintain its biological activity. • Trans-membrane and trans -wall direct electron transfer of E. coli was successfully realized. • Two electrons and two protons participated in the direct electron transfer of E. coli . We developed a novel method of microwave irradiation to deal with Escherichia coli ( E. coli ), realized the trans -membrane and trans -wall direct electron transfer of Guanine in viable E. coli . Typical surface controlled irreversible electrode process of E. coli was achieved by cyclic voltammetry with the participating of two electrons and two protons. The method of bacterium culture and colony count showed that the direct electrochemistry of E. coli could be realized with its biological activity maintained. In addition, the electrochemical parameters of E. coli were further achieved, which provided a paradigm for direct electrochemical study of other bacteria.