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Microbial Utilization of Electricity

Detailed Technology Description

Introduction The promotion of reductive processes in a biological system requires an electrochemical bioreactor system having a cathode compartment equipped with a cathode and an anode compartment equipped with an anode. The cathode and anode compartments are separated by a cation selective membrane, such that the cathode and anode are connected by a conductive material to a power supply. Description of Technology MSU’s invention details novel reductive processes in which biological systems are promoted by providing an electrochemical bioreactor system with cathode and anode compartments; placing a neutral red and biological catalyst, Trichosporon capitatum, in the cathode compartment; and applying a current between an anode and a cathode of the respective compartment, resulting in a portion of the neutral red being reduced. Key BenefitsInterconversion: Allows the interconversion of biological reducing power, biological energy, and electrical energy in the electrochemical bioreactor or fuel cell.Cell growth: Promotes cell growth in the production of desired products.Cost effective: Reduces reaction time, resulting in cost savings. Applications This technology is a useful method for promoting reductive processes in a biological system. Patent Status Covered by 3 US patents: 6,270,649, 6,495,023, and 7,459,223Additional patents pending Inventors J. Gregory Zeikus, Doo Hyun Park, Hyoun Shin, Mahendra Jain Tech ID TEC1998-0036

*Abstract

None

*Principal Investigator

Name: J. Gregory Zeikus, Professor Emeritus

Department: Biochemistry

Name: Doo Hyun Park, Professor

Department: Biological Engineering

Name: Hyoun Shin

Department:

Name: Mahendra Jain

Department: Chemistry

Country/Region

USA