One
day "microbial cyborgs" might be used in fuel cells, biosensors, or
bioreactors. Scientists of Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) have created
the necessary prerequisite by developing a programmable, biohybrid system
consisting of a nanocomposite and the Shewanella oneidensis bacterium
that produces electrons. The material serves as a scaffold for the bacteria
and, at the same time, conducts the microbially produced current.
The
bacterium Shewanella oneidensis belongs to the so-called exoelectrogenic
bacteria. These bacteria can produce electrons in the metabolic process and
transport them to the cell's exterior. However, use of this type of electricity
has always been limited by the restricted interaction of organisms and
electrode. Contrary to conventional batteries, the material of this
"organic battery" does not only have to conduct electrons to an
electrode, but also to optimally connect as many bacteria as possible to this
electrode. So far, conductive materials in which bacteria can be embedded have
been inefficient or it has been impossible to control the electric current.
Such a system does
not only have to be conductive, it also must be able to control the
process. This was achieved in the experiment: To switch off the current, the
researchers added an enzyme that cuts the DNA strands, as a result of which the
composite is decomposed.
See:
Posted by Dr. Tim Sandle, Pharmaceutical Microbiology Resources (http://www.pharmamicroresources.com/)
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