Thermodynamics of electroactive microorganisms

Electroactive microorganism and microbial electrochemical technologies are investigated for more than 20 years. Thereby, numerous applications are discussed ranging from wastewater treatment to power production to synthesis of bulk and fine chemicals. Similarly, it is suggested that these microorganisms influence several natural proccesses and environments including biogeochemical redox cycles, carbon and nitrogen cycle, microbial communities, and the human gut.

Although many aspects of electroactive microorganisms were investigated, their thermodynamic characterization is still in its infancy. However, assessing their thermodynamics and energy fluxes are prerequisites for increasing the efficiency and leveraging the biotechnological potential of microbial electrochemical technologies. By combining bioelectrocalorimetry, modeling, and further fundamental experiments, we aim to decipher the thermodynamics of electroactive microorganisms.