Scientists have engineered a strain of E. coli bacteria to generate electricity while processing organic waste, an advancement that could transform both waste management and clean energy production.
Power from Unlikely Source
Unlike exotic microbes that can naturally produce electricity but only in specific chemical environments, E. coli thrives on a wide range of organic matter. Researchers optimized E. coli’s extracellular electron transfer pathway, enabling the bacteria to efficiently channel electrons outward as electrical current.
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Trials with Brewery Wastewater
The researchers tested the “electrifying” E. coli on real wastewater collected from a brewery in Switzerland. The engineered bacteria generated increasing electrical current as they metabolized the waste, while exotic electric microbescould not even survive in the harsh environment.
Wide Applications
The E. coli’s flexibility and hardiness point to diverse applications beyond wastewater treatment. Tailoring the bacteria to specific feedstocks and environments could enable microbial fuel cells, electrolysis, biosensors, and other sustainable technologies.
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Dual Benefit
Unlike conventional waste processing which consumes energy, the electrifying E. coli offers a twofold benefit. “We are producing electricity while processing organic waste at the same time, hitting two birds with one stone,” said lead researcher Ardemis Boghossian.
The research demonstrates E. coli’s potential for efficient bioelectricity generation from renewable feedstocks. With further development, the engineered bacteria could power progress toward circular economies and carbon neutrality.
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