Microbial Fuel Cells: Potential and Benefits
A microbial fuel cell is a mimic of a biological system, in which bacteria transfer electrons, gained from their substrate, towards an electrode instead of towards their natural electron acceptor. Research has shown that a microbial fuel cell (MFC) can generate electricity while simultaneously cleaning wastewater. In such a way, wastewater can be purified and the process can simultaneously produce electricity. In addition, the technology has other applications in more specialized settings such as medical and military applications. Recent results have shown that MFC reactors may fundamentally change traditional fermentation technology. It has been found that fermentation reactions can be manipulated by introducing small currents in MFC reactors in order to increase the total yield of fermentation products and direct the fermentation process.

Faculty of Bioscience Engineering
Department of Biochemical and Microbial Technology
Ghent University
Coupure links 653
B-9000 Ghent
Tel: +32 9 264 59 76
Fax: +32 9 264 62 48
willy.verstraete@ugent.be
www.labmet.ugent.be