In the second of our Brighter Ideas series, we demonstrate how we can generate electricity from a species of bacteria known as Geobacteria sulfurreducens. Our double-chambered biofuel cell utilizes the ability of geobacteria to oxidize organic compounds and couple this oxidation to the reduction of metals to generate electricity. Using bioinformatics tools and data mining, we have identified the pathways involved in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, fumarate disproportionation and metabolism of fatty acids, hydrogen, and propionate as well as identified the genes that code for the enzymes mediating the pathways. The capacity of the geobacteria in the cell to generate large amounts of electricity is trebled through the enhancement of the expression of some of these genes through gene cloning and expression vectors. Some of the electricity that is generated in this way is fed to the second chamber to facilitate microbial electrosynthesis where Geobacteria accept electrons from electrodes and use this energy to produce oxygen and organic compounds from carbon dioxide and water. Microbial electrosynthesis thus allows the geobacteria to produce energy by “eating electricity” and “breathing in carbon dioxide” hence reducing global carbon dioxide levels sustainably. Follow the link below to view more details about the session and see how you can be part of the change that we need. angusgenomics/switchingdna.php
Posted on: Thu, 27 Jun 2013 05:58:00 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015