Microbial Fuel Cells and Microbial Ecology: Applications in Ruminant Health and Production Research |
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Authors: | Orianna Bretschger Jason B Osterstock William E Pinchak Shun’ichi Ishii Karen E Nelson |
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Institution: | (1) J. Craig Venter Institute, 10355 Science Center Dr., San Diego, CA 92121, USA;(2) Texas AgriLife Research, Amarillo, TX 79106, USA;(3) Texas AgriLife Research, Vernon, TX 76385, USA;(4) J. Craig Venter Institute, Rockville, MD 20850, USA |
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Abstract: | Microbial fuel cell (MFC) systems employ the catalytic activity of microbes to produce electricity from the oxidation of organic,
and in some cases inorganic, substrates. MFC systems have been primarily explored for their use in bioremediation and bioenergy
applications; however, these systems also offer a unique strategy for the cultivation of synergistic microbial communities.
It has been hypothesized that the mechanism(s) of microbial electron transfer that enable electricity production in MFCs may
be a cooperative strategy within mixed microbial consortia that is associated with, or is an alternative to, interspecies
hydrogen (H2) transfer. Microbial fermentation processes and methanogenesis in ruminant animals are highly dependent on the consumption
and production of H2in the rumen. Given the crucial role that H2 plays in ruminant digestion, it is desirable to understand the microbial relationships that control H2 partial pressures within the rumen; MFCs may serve as unique tools for studying this complex ecological system. Further,
MFC systems offer a novel approach to studying biofilms that form under different redox conditions and may be applied to achieve
a greater understanding of how microbial biofilms impact animal health. Here, we present a brief summary of the efforts made
towards understanding rumen microbial ecology, microbial biofilms related to animal health, and how MFCs may be further applied
in ruminant research. |
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