Publication Details

Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.1016/j.tibtech.2026.07.031
Licence creative commons licence
Title (Primary) An electrified future with microbial electrochemical technologies: how to realize the dream?
Author de Smit, S.; Angenent, L.T.; Aulenta, F.; Esteve-Nunez, A.; Guisasola, A.; Harnisch, F. ORCID logo ; Heidrich, E.S.; Jourdin, L.; Kokko, M.; Linssen, R.; Pant, D.; Paquete, C.M.; Philips, J.; Puig, S.; Rabaey, K.; Rosenbaum, M.A.; Schröder, U.; Sleutels, T.; Torres, C.I.; Villano, M.; ter Heijne, A.
Source Titel Trends in Biotechnology
Year 2026
Department MIBITECH
Language englisch
Topic T7 Bioeconomy
Keywords microbial electrochemical technologies; circular wastewater treatment; microbial electrosynthesis; bioinspired electronics; biosensors; research vision
Abstract

Microbial electrochemical technologies (METs) are emerging with innovative applications in various fields by harnessing the combined action of electrodes and microbes. What if METs could be the key to circularity in wastewater treatment? What if METs could be employed to convert electricity and CO2, or waste, into valuable organics? What if new bioinspired materials could be produced through METs? What if METs could be used as smart bio-based sensors? We provide our vision for the future of METs in four sectors: water treatment, industrial biotechnology, electronics, and biosensors. We showcase why and how METs could advance or replace state-of-the-art technologies and discuss the challenges that must be overcome to make METs part of an electrified future powered by microbes.

de Smit, S., Angenent, L.T., Aulenta, F., Esteve-Nunez, A., Guisasola, A., Harnisch, F., Heidrich, E.S., Jourdin, L., Kokko, M., Linssen, R., Pant, D., Paquete, C.M., Philips, J., Puig, S., Rabaey, K., Rosenbaum, M.A., Schröder, U., Sleutels, T., Torres, C.I., Villano, M., ter Heijne, A. (2026):
An electrified future with microbial electrochemical technologies: how to realize the dream?
Trends Biotechnol.
10.1016/j.tibtech.2026.07.031