Merging Metabolism and Power: Development of a Novel Photobioelectric Device Driven by Photosynthesis and Respiration

Generation of renewable energy is one of the grand challenges facing our society. We present a new bio-electric technology driven by chemical gradients generated by photosynthesis and respiration. The system does not require pure cultures nor particular species as it works with the core metabolic principles that define phototrophs and heterotrophs. The biology is interfaced with electrochemistry with an alkaline aluminum oxide cell design. In field trials we show the system is robust and can work with an undefined natural microbial community. Power generated is light and photosynthesis dependent. It achieved a peak power output of 33 watts/m2 electrode. The design is simple, low cost and works with the biological processes driving the system by removing waste products that can impede growth. This system is a new class of bio-electric device and may have practical implications for algal biofuel production and powering remote sensing devices.

可再生能源的开发是当前人类社会面临的重大挑战之一。本研究提出了一种由光合作用与呼吸作用产生的化学梯度驱动的新型生物电技术（bio-electric technology）。该系统无需纯培养物或特定物种，其运作基于定义光能自养生物（phototrophs）与异养生物（heterotrophs）的核心代谢原理。该系统将生物学与电化学相结合，采用碱性氧化铝电池构型。在野外试验中，本研究证实该系统稳定性优异，可与天然存在的未明确界定的微生物群落协同运作。所产生的电力依赖光照与光合作用过程，其峰值功率输出可达33瓦/平方米电极。该设计简便且成本低廉，通过移除会抑制微生物生长的代谢废物，适配驱动系统运作的生物学过程。本系统属于一类新型生物电装置，有望在藻类生物燃料生产以及为遥感设备供电等领域具备实际应用价值。