Decifrar a comunicação microbiana em biofilmes electroactivos para aumentar a produção de energia em sistemas bioelectroquímicos

Microtalk4energy promises to unlock significant insights into bacterial interaction and communication within mixed-species biofilm formed at the surface of an electrode. Such knowledge is crucial for maximizing the efficiency of BES, paving the way for their practical implementation in tackling pressing societal challenges, such as energy and water scarcity. As a waste-to-energy technology, the integration of BES into the real world will facilitate the direct generation of electricity from organic matter found in wastewater [4]. In addition, they can also be used to capture CO2 for the production of biofuels and added-value compounds [2], for metal recovery in contaminated environments [29], as well as desalinating seawater[3]. These processes address environmental concerns associated with waste management and they offer a sustainable solution for the generation of electricity, chemicals, and biofuels while contributing to a cleaner and more resource-efficient future. Microtalk4energy targets two objectives: 1. Identify the molecular factors that affect electroactivity in mixed-species biofilms: By adjusting the expression levels of elements recognized to affect electroactivity (e.g. quorum-sensing molecules (e.g. c-di-GMP), small diffusible molecules (e.g. metabolites and soluble redox mediators), MHC, pili, and nanowires) within electroactive bacteria, and by growing them as single and co-cultures in MFC, the factors that affect electroactivity within mixed-species biofilms will be identified. 2. Develop strategies that boost electron transfer at the microbe-electrode interface: Through pinpointing the key molecular processes that affect electroactivity in mixed-species biofilms, strategies will be developed to boost electron transfer to electrodes. These will be achieved through genetic manipulation of electroactive bacteria to possess tailored characteristics that enhance electroactivity in mixed-species biofilms, the assemblage of microbial consortia that are better suited to real-world settings, and adjustment of operational settings to enhance electron transfer at the microbe-electrode interface. By achieving these objectives, Microtalk4energy will advance the understanding of the molecular factors that limit electron transfer at the microbe-electrode interface and empower the implementation of strategies aimed at driving the practical application of BES forward. During the last decade, optimization of microbe-electrode interactions through modification of electrodes or organisms has been the major research activity to improve BES performance [17,30]. While the necessary technology and methodology, required for investigating cell interaction and communication in biofilms are currently available [20,31,32], they have yet to be employed to explore electroactive bacteria thriving as co-cultures on electrodes. The host team possesses expertise and skills to perform genetic modification of such organisms[13,33,34], in running BES[13,33,35], to explore EET processes of electroactive organisms [36,37], and to investigate biofilms[13]. The involvement of three consultants, each bringing unique expertise, will be crucial in guiding the team and overcoming challenges encountered during the implementation of the project. Together, these efforts will ensure the success of Microtalk4energy and uncover the molecular factors that boost electroactivity within mixed-species biofilms, thereby accelerating the real-world implementation of BES.