Selection and stability of anode respiring bacteria biofilms

Abstract

Engineering anode respiring bacteria (ARB) biofilms for optimal performance in microbial fuel cells (MFC) and biosensors is an emerging challenge. The structure of ARB biofilm community can be manipulated under stringent conditions. However, in most practical applications, the biofilms would need to operate in conditions quite different from those of the selection process and this could cause changes in community structure and consequently a loss of functionality. In this study, we tested whether anodic biofilms selected in specific conditions, would retain their community structure and electrochemical properties when operating long term in MFCs in conditions different from those used in the selection.