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Abdul Halim MF, Hanson EH, Costa KC. Methanococcus maripaludis. Trends Microbiol 2024:S0966-842X(24)00092-1. [PMID: 38702257 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2024.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Emily H Hanson
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN, USA
| | - Kyle C Costa
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN, USA.
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Mei N, Tremblay PL, Wu Y, Zhang T. Proposed mechanisms of electron uptake in metal-corroding methanogens and their potential for CO 2 bioconversion applications. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 923:171384. [PMID: 38432383 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Some methanogens are electrotrophic bio-corroding microbes that can acquire electrons from solid surfaces including metals. In the laboratory, pure cultures of methanogenic cells oxidize iron-based materials including carbon steel, stainless steel, and Fe0. For buried or immersed pipelines or other metallic structures, methanogens are often major components of corroding biofilms with complex interspecies relationships. Models explaining how these microbes acquire electrons from solid donors are multifaceted and include electron transfer via redox mediators such as H2 or by direct contact through membrane proteins. Understanding the electron uptake (EU) routes employed by corroding methanogens is essential to develop efficient strategies for corrosion prevention. It is also beneficial for the development of bioenergy applications relying on methanogenic EU from solid donors such as bioelectromethanogenesis, hybrid photosynthesis, and the acceleration of anaerobic digestion with electroconductive particles. Many methanogenic species carrying out biocorrosion are the same ones forming the extensive abiotic-biological interfaces at the core of these bio-applications. This review will discuss the interactions between corrosive methanogens and metals and how the EU capability of these microbes can be harnessed for different sustainable biotechnologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Mei
- Institut WUT-AMU, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, PR China
| | - Pier-Luc Tremblay
- Institut WUT-AMU, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, PR China; School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, and Life Science, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, PR China; Shaoxing Institute for Advanced Research, Wuhan University of Technology, Shaoxing 312300, PR China; Sanya Science and Education Innovation Park, Wuhan University of Technology, Sanya 572024, PR China
| | - Yuyang Wu
- Institut WUT-AMU, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, PR China
| | - Tian Zhang
- Institut WUT-AMU, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, PR China; School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, and Life Science, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, PR China; Shaoxing Institute for Advanced Research, Wuhan University of Technology, Shaoxing 312300, PR China; Sanya Science and Education Innovation Park, Wuhan University of Technology, Sanya 572024, PR China.
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3
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Palacios PA, Philips J, Bentien A, Kofoed MVW. Relevance of extracellular electron uptake mechanisms for electromethanogenesis applications. Biotechnol Adv 2024; 73:108369. [PMID: 38685440 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2024.108369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Electromethanogenesis has emerged as a biological branch of Power-to-X technologies that implements methanogenic microorganisms, as an alternative to chemical Power-to-X, to convert electrical power from renewable sources, and CO2 into methane. Unlike biomethanation processes where CO2 is converted via exogenously added hydrogen, electromethanogenesis occurs in a bioelectrochemical set-up that combines electrodes and microorganisms. Thereby, mixed, or pure methanogenic cultures catalyze the reduction of CO2 to methane via reducing equivalents supplied by a cathode. Recent advances in electromethanogenesis have been driven by interdisciplinary research at the intersection of microbiology, electrochemistry, and engineering. Integrating the knowledge acquired from these areas is essential to address the specific challenges presented by this relatively young biotechnology, which include electron transfer limitations, low energy and product efficiencies, and reactor design to enable upscaling. This review approaches electromethanogenesis from a multidisciplinary perspective, putting emphasis on the extracellular electron uptake mechanisms that methanogens use to obtain energy from cathodes, since understanding these mechanisms is key to optimize the electrochemical conditions for the development of these systems. This work summarizes the direct and indirect extracellular electron uptake mechanisms that have been elucidated to date in methanogens, along with the ones that remain unsolved. As the study of microbial corrosion, a similar bioelectrochemical process with Fe0 as electron source, has contributed to elucidate different mechanisms on how methanogens use solid electron donors, insights from both fields, biocorrosion and electromethanogenesis, are combined. Based on the repertoire of mechanisms and their potential to convert CO2 to methane, we conclude that for future applications, electromethanogenesis should focus on the indirect mechanism with H2 as intermediary. By summarizing and linking the general aspects and challenges of this process, we hope that this review serves as a guide for researchers working on electromethanogenesis in different areas of expertise to overcome the current limitations and continue with the optimization of this promising interdisciplinary technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Andrea Palacios
- Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 10C, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Jo Philips
- Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 10C, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Anders Bentien
- Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Aarhus University, Aabogade 40, Aarhus N, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Michael Vedel Wegener Kofoed
- Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 10C, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
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4
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Harnisch F, Deutzmann JS, Boto ST, Rosenbaum MA. Microbial electrosynthesis: opportunities for microbial pure cultures. Trends Biotechnol 2024:S0167-7799(24)00033-7. [PMID: 38431514 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2024.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Microbial electrosynthesis (MES) is an emerging technology that couples renewable electricity to microbial production processes. Although advances in MES performance have been driven largely by microbial mixed cultures, we see a great limitation in the diversity, and hence value, of products that can be achieved in undefined mixed cultures. By contrast, metabolic control of pure cultures and genetic engineering could greatly expand the scope of MES, and even of broader electrobiotechnology, to include targeted high-value products. To leverage this potential, we advocate for more efforts and activities to develop engineered electroactive microbes for synthesis, and we highlight the need for a standardized electrobioreactor infrastructure that allows the establishment and engineering of electrobioprocesses with these novel biocatalysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Falk Harnisch
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research GmbH, Permoserstrasse 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jörg S Deutzmann
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Santiago T Boto
- Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans-Knöll-Institute, Adolf Reichwein Strasse 23, 07745 Jena, Germany; Institute of Microbiology, Faculty for Biological Sciences, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Neugasse 23, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Miriam A Rosenbaum
- Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans-Knöll-Institute, Adolf Reichwein Strasse 23, 07745 Jena, Germany; Institute of Microbiology, Faculty for Biological Sciences, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Neugasse 23, 07743 Jena, Germany.
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5
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Abstract
A wide diversity of microorganisms, typically growing as biofilms, has been implicated in corrosion, a multi-trillion dollar a year problem. Aerobic microorganisms establish conditions that promote metal corrosion, but most corrosion has been attributed to anaerobes. Microbially produced organic acids, sulfide and extracellular hydrogenases can accelerate metallic iron (Fe0) oxidation coupled to hydrogen (H2) production, as can respiratory anaerobes consuming H2 as an electron donor. Some bacteria and archaea directly accept electrons from Fe0 to support anaerobic respiration, often with c-type cytochromes as the apparent outer-surface electrical contact with the metal. Functional genetic studies are beginning to define corrosion mechanisms more rigorously. Omics studies are revealing which microorganisms are associated with corrosion, but new strategies for recovering corrosive microorganisms in culture are required to evaluate corrosive capabilities and mechanisms. Interdisciplinary studies of the interactions among microorganisms and between microorganisms and metals in corrosive biofilms show promise for developing new technologies to detect and prevent corrosion. In this Review, we explore the role of microorganisms in metal corrosion and discuss potential ways to mitigate it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dake Xu
- Electrobiomaterials Institute, Key Laboratory for Anisotropy and Texture of Materials (Ministry of Education), Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
- Shenyang National Laboratory for Materials Science, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Tingyue Gu
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA.
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA.
- Institute for Corrosion and Multiphase Technology, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA.
- Institute for Sustainable Energy and the Environment, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA.
| | - Derek R Lovley
- Electrobiomaterials Institute, Key Laboratory for Anisotropy and Texture of Materials (Ministry of Education), Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
- Department of Microbiology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
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6
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Iino T, Oshima K, Hattori M, Ohkuma M, Amachi S. Iron corrosion concomitant with nitrate reduction by Iodidimonas nitroreducens sp. nov. isolated from iodide-rich brine associated with natural gas. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1232866. [PMID: 37808292 PMCID: PMC10556733 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1232866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Microbially influenced corrosion (MIC) may contribute significantly to corrosion-related failures in injection wells and iron pipes of iodine production facilities. In this study, the iron (Fe0) corroding activity of strain Q-1 isolated from iodide-rich brine in Japan and two Iodidimonas strains phylogenetically related to strain Q-1 were investigated under various culture conditions. Under aerobic conditions, the Fe0 foil in the culture of strain Q-1 was oxidized in the presence of nitrate and yeast extract, while those of two Iodidimonas strains were not. The amount of oxidized iron in this culture was six times higher than in the aseptic control. Oxidation of Fe0 in aerobic cultures of nitrate-reducing bacterium Q-1 was dependent on the formation of nitrite from nitrate. This Fe0 corrosion by nitrate-reducing bacterium Q-1 started after initial nitrite accumulation by day 4. Nitrate reduction in strain Q-1 is a unique feature that distinguishes it from two known species of Iodidimonas. Nitrite accumulation was supported by the encoding of genes for nitrate reductase and the missing of genes for nitrite reduction to ammonia or nitrogen gas in its genome sequence. Phylogenetic position of strain Q-1 based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence was with less than 96.1% sequence similarity to two known Iodidimonas species, and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values of 17.2-19.3%, and average nucleotide identity (ANI) values of 73.4-73.7% distinguished strain Q-1 from two known species. In addition of nitrate reduction, the ability to hydrolyze aesculin and gelatin hydrolysis and cellular fatty acid profiles also distinguished strain Q-1 from two known species. Consequently, a new species, named Iodidimonas nitroreducens sp. nov., is proposed for the nitrate-reducing bacterium strain Q-1T.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takao Iino
- Japan Collection of Microorganisms (JCM), RIKEN BioResource Research Center (RIKEN-BRC), Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Kenshiro Oshima
- Center for Omics and Bioinformatics, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Masahira Hattori
- Center for Omics and Bioinformatics, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Moriya Ohkuma
- Japan Collection of Microorganisms (JCM), RIKEN BioResource Research Center (RIKEN-BRC), Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Seigo Amachi
- Graduate School of Horticulture, Chiba University, Matsudo, Japan
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7
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Knisz J, Eckert R, Gieg LM, Koerdt A, Lee JS, Silva ER, Skovhus TL, An Stepec BA, Wade SA. Microbiologically influenced corrosion-more than just microorganisms. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2023; 47:fuad041. [PMID: 37437902 PMCID: PMC10479746 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuad041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) is a phenomenon of increasing concern that affects various materials and sectors of society. MIC describes the effects, often negative, that a material can experience due to the presence of microorganisms. Unfortunately, although several research groups and industrial actors worldwide have already addressed MIC, discussions are fragmented, while information sharing and willingness to reach out to other disciplines are limited. A truly interdisciplinary approach, which would be logical for this material/biology/chemistry-related challenge, is rarely taken. In this review, we highlight critical non-biological aspects of MIC that can sometimes be overlooked by microbiologists working on MIC but are highly relevant for an overall understanding of this phenomenon. Here, we identify gaps, methods, and approaches to help solve MIC-related challenges, with an emphasis on the MIC of metals. We also discuss the application of existing tools and approaches for managing MIC and propose ideas to promote an improved understanding of MIC. Furthermore, we highlight areas where the insights and expertise of microbiologists are needed to help progress this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Knisz
- Department of Water Supply and Sewerage, Faculty of Water Sciences, University of Public Service, 6500, Baja, Hungary
| | - R Eckert
- Microbial Corrosion Consulting, LLC, Commerce Township, 48382, MI, USA
| | - L M Gieg
- Petroleum Microbiology Research Group, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - A Koerdt
- Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM), 12205, Berlin, Germany
| | - J S Lee
- Naval Research Laboratory, Ocean Sciences Division, Stennis Space Center, 39529, MS, USA
| | - E R Silva
- BioISI—Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisboa, Campo Grande, C8 bdg, 1749-016, Lisboa, Portugal
- CERENA - Centre for Natural Resources and the Environment, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1, 1049-001, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - T L Skovhus
- Research Center for Built Environment, Energy, Water and Climate, VIA, University College, 8700, Horsens, Denmark
| | - B A An Stepec
- Department of Energy and Technology, NORCE Norwegian Research Centre AS, Nygårdsgaten 112, 5008 Bergen, Norway
| | - S A Wade
- Bioengineering Research Group, Swinburne University of Technology, 3122, Melbourne, Australia
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8
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H 2 Is a Major Intermediate in Desulfovibrio vulgaris Corrosion of Iron. mBio 2023; 14:e0007623. [PMID: 36786581 PMCID: PMC10127678 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00076-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Desulfovibrio vulgaris has been a primary pure culture sulfate reducer for developing microbial corrosion concepts. Multiple mechanisms for how it accepts electrons from Fe0 have been proposed. We investigated Fe0 oxidation with a mutant of D. vulgaris in which hydrogenase genes were deleted. The hydrogenase mutant grew as well as the parental strain with lactate as the electron donor, but unlike the parental strain, it was not able to grow on H2. The parental strain reduced sulfate with Fe0 as the sole electron donor, but the hydrogenase mutant did not. H2 accumulated over time in Fe0 cultures of the hydrogenase mutant and sterile controls but not in parental strain cultures. Sulfide stimulated H2 production in uninoculated controls apparently by both reacting with Fe0 to generate H2 and facilitating electron transfer from Fe0 to H+. Parental strain supernatants did not accelerate H2 production from Fe0, ruling out a role for extracellular hydrogenases. Previously proposed electron transfer between Fe0 and D. vulgaris via soluble electron shuttles was not evident. The hydrogenase mutant did not reduce sulfate in the presence of Fe0 and either riboflavin or anthraquinone-2,6-disulfonate, and these potential electron shuttles did not stimulate parental strain sulfate reduction with Fe0 as the electron donor. The results demonstrate that D. vulgaris primarily accepts electrons from Fe0 via H2 as an intermediary electron carrier. These findings clarify the interpretation of previous D. vulgaris corrosion studies and suggest that H2-mediated electron transfer is an important mechanism for iron corrosion under sulfate-reducing conditions. IMPORTANCE Microbial corrosion of iron in the presence of sulfate-reducing microorganisms is economically significant. There is substantial debate over how microbes accelerate iron corrosion. Tools for genetic manipulation have only been developed for a few Fe(III)-reducing and methanogenic microorganisms known to corrode iron and in each case those microbes were found to accept electrons from Fe0 via direct electron transfer. However, iron corrosion is often most intense in the presence of sulfate-reducing microbes. The finding that Desulfovibrio vulgaris relies on H2 to shuttle electrons between Fe0 and cells revives the concept, developed in some of the earliest studies on microbial corrosion, that sulfate reducers consumption of H2 is a major microbial corrosion mechanism. The results further emphasize that direct Fe0-to-microbe electron transfer has yet to be rigorously demonstrated in sulfate-reducing microbes.
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9
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Wakai S, Eno N, Mizukami H, Sunaba T, Miyanaga K, Miyano Y. Microbiologically influenced corrosion of stainless steel independent of sulfate-reducing bacteria. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:982047. [PMID: 36312937 PMCID: PMC9597249 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.982047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The presence and activities of microorganisms on metal surfaces can affect corrosion. Microbial communities after such corrosion incidents have been frequently analyzed, but little is known about the dynamics of microbial communities in biofilms on different types of stainless steels, such as austenitic, martensitic, and duplex stainless steels. Here, we conducted immersion experiments on 10 types of stainless steels in a freshwater environment, where microbiologically influenced corrosion was observed. During 22-month of immersion, severe localized corrosions were observed only on martensitic S40300 stainless steel. Microbial community analysis showed notable differences between non-corroded and corroded stainless steels. On the surfaces of non-corroded stainless steels, microbial communities were slowly altered and diversity decreased over time; in particular, relative abundance of Nitrospira sp. notably increased. Whereas microbial communities in corrosion products on corroded stainless steels showed low diversity; in particular, the family Beggiatoaceae bacteria, iron-oxidizing bacteria, and Candidatus Tenderia sp. were enriched. Furthermore, sulfur enrichment during localized corrosion was observed. Since there was no enrichment of sulfate-reducing bacteria, the sulfur enrichment may be derived from the presence of family Beggiatoaceae bacteria with intracellular sulfur inclusion. Our results demonstrated slow and drastic changes in microbial communities on the healthy and corroded metal surfaces, respectively, and microbial communities on the healthy metal surfaces were not affected by the composition of the stainless steel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Wakai
- Institute for Extra-Cutting-Edge Science and Technology Avant-Garde Research (X-Star), Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), Yokosuka, Japan
- PRESTO, Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), Tokyo, Japan
- *Correspondence: Satoshi Wakai,
| | - Nanami Eno
- Materials and Corrosion Group, Technical Research Center, Technical Division, INPEX Corporation, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Mizukami
- Materials and Corrosion Group, Technical Research Center, Technical Division, INPEX Corporation, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Sunaba
- Materials and Corrosion Group, Technical Research Center, Technical Division, INPEX Corporation, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Miyanaga
- School of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Miyano
- Graduate School of Engineering Science, Akita University, Akita, Japan
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10
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Madjarov J, Soares R, Paquete CM, Louro RO. Sporomusa ovata as Catalyst for Bioelectrochemical Carbon Dioxide Reduction: A Review Across Disciplines From Microbiology to Process Engineering. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:913311. [PMID: 35801113 PMCID: PMC9253864 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.913311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sporomusa ovata is a bacterium that can accept electrons from cathodes to drive microbial electrosynthesis (MES) of acetate from carbon dioxide. It is the biocatalyst with the highest acetate production rate described. Here we review the research on S. ovata across different disciplines, including microbiology, biochemistry, engineering, and materials science, to summarize and assess the state-of-the-art. The improvement of the biocatalytic capacity of S. ovata in the last 10 years, using different optimization strategies is described and discussed. In addition, we propose possible electron uptake routes derived from genetic and experimental data described in the literature and point out the possibilities to understand and improve the performance of S. ovata through genetic engineering. Finally, we identify current knowledge gaps guiding further research efforts to explore this promising organism for the MES field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Madjarov
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Soares
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
- Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Catarina M. Paquete
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Ricardo O. Louro
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
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11
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Deng X, Luo D, Okamoto A. Defined and unknown roles of conductive nanoparticles for the enhancement of microbial current generation: A review. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2022; 350:126844. [PMID: 35158034 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2022.126844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The ability of various bacteria to make use of solid substrates through extracellular electron transfer (EET) or extracellular electron uptake (EEU) has enabled the development of valuable biotechnologies such as microbial fuel cells (MFCs) and microbial electrosynthesis (MES). It is common practice to use metallic and semiconductive nanoparticles (NPs) for microbial current enhancement. However, the effect of NPs is highly variable between systems, and there is no clear guideline for effectively increasing the current generation. In the present review, the proposed mechanisms for enhancing current production in MFCs and MES are summarized, and the critical factors for NPs to enhance microbial current generation are discussed. Implications for microbially induced iron corrosion, where iron sulfide NPs are proposed to enhance the rate of EEU, photochemically driven MES, and several future research directions to further enhance microbial current generation, are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Deng
- International Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics (WPI-MANA), National Institute for Materials Science, 1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0044, Japan
| | - Dan Luo
- International Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics (WPI-MANA), National Institute for Materials Science, 1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0044, Japan; Graduate School of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Hokkaido University, North 13 West 8, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8628, Japan
| | - Akihiro Okamoto
- International Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics (WPI-MANA), National Institute for Materials Science, 1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0044, Japan; Graduate School of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Hokkaido University, North 13 West 8, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8628, Japan.
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12
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Paquete CM, Rosenbaum MA, Bañeras L, Rotaru AE, Puig S. Let's chat: Communication between electroactive microorganisms. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2022; 347:126705. [PMID: 35065228 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2022.126705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Electroactive microorganisms can exchange electrons with other cells or conductive interfaces in their extracellular environment. This property opens the way to a broad range of practical biotechnological applications, from manufacturing sustainable chemicals via electrosynthesis, to bioenergy, bioelectronics or improved, low-energy demanding wastewater treatments. Besides, electroactive microorganisms play key roles in environmental bioremediation, significantly impacting process efficiencies. This review highlights our present knowledge on microbial interactions promoting the communication between electroactive microorganisms in a biofilm on an electrode in bioelectrochemical systems (BES). Furthermore, the immediate knowledge gaps that must be closed to develop novel technologies will also be acknowledged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina M Paquete
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-156 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Miriam A Rosenbaum
- Bio Pilot Plant, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans-Knöll-Institute, Beutenbergstrasse 11a, Jena, Germany; Faculty of Biological Sciences, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Lluís Bañeras
- Group of Molecular Microbial Ecology, Institute of Aquatic Ecology, University of Girona, C/ Maria Aurèlia Capmany, 40, E-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Amelia-Elena Rotaru
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Department of Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Sebastià Puig
- LEQUiA, Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, Carrer Maria Aurelia Capmany, 69, E-17003 Girona, Spain.
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Lovley DR. Electrotrophy: Other microbial species, iron, and electrodes as electron donors for microbial respirations. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2022; 345:126553. [PMID: 34906705 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2021.126553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Electrotrophy, the growth of microbes on extracellular electron donors, drives important biogeochemical cycles and has practical applications. Studies of Fe(II)-based electrotrophy have provided foundational cytochrome-based mechanistic models for electron transport into cells. Direct electron uptake from other microbial species, Fe(0), or cathodes is of intense interest due to its potential roles in the production and anaerobic oxidation of methane, corrosion, and bioelectrochemical technologies. Other cells or Fe(0) can serve as the sole electron donor supporting the growth of several Geobacter and methanogen strains that are unable to use H2 as an electron donor, providing strong evidence for electrotrophy. Additional evidence for electrotrophy in Geobacter strains and Methanosarcina acetivorans is a requirement for outer-surface c-type cytochromes. However, in most instances claims for electrotrophy in anaerobes are based on indirect inference and the possibility that H2 is actually the electron donor supporting growth has not been rigorously excluded.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek R Lovley
- Electrobiomaterials Institute, Key Laboratory for Anisotropy and Texture of Materials (Ministry of Education), Northeastern University, Shenyang 110819, China; Department of Microbiology and Institute for Applied Life Sciences (IALS), University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA.
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14
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Novel Methanobacterium Strain Induces Severe Corrosion by Retrieving Electrons from Fe0 under a Freshwater Environment. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10020270. [PMID: 35208725 PMCID: PMC8880523 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10020270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Methanogens capable of accepting electrons from Fe0 cause severe corrosion in anoxic conditions. In previous studies, all iron-corrosive methanogenic isolates were obtained from marine environments. However, the presence of methanogens with corrosion ability using Fe0 as an electron donor and their contribution to corrosion in freshwater systems is unknown. Therefore, to understand the role of methanogens in corrosion under anoxic conditions in a freshwater environment, we investigated the corrosion activities of methanogens in samples collected from groundwater and rivers. We enriched microorganisms that can grow with CO2/NaHCO3 and Fe0 as the sole carbon source and electron donor, respectively, in ground freshwater. Methanobacterium sp. TO1, which induces iron corrosion, was isolated from freshwater. Electrochemical analysis revealed that strain TO1 can uptake electrons from the cathode at lower than −0.61 V vs SHE and has a redox-active component with electrochemical potential different from those of other previously reported methanogens with extracellular electron transfer ability. This study indicated the corrosion risk by methanogens capable of taking up electrons from Fe0 in anoxic freshwater environments and the necessity of understanding the corrosion mechanism to contribute to risk diagnosis.
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15
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Microbially induced corrosion impacts on the oil industry. Arch Microbiol 2022; 204:138. [PMID: 35032195 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-022-02755-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
The numerous structural impacts on oil installations caused by corrosion make this issue a concern in the oil industry. Although chemical corrosion is relevant in this sector, it is indisputable that the microbial corrosion or bio-corrosion plays a preponderant role, with considerable economic losses. Microbial corrosion invariably depends on the formation of a biofilm on the attacked surface. Biofilm structures provide the conditions that favor the development of microbial groups related to corrosion. Despite the several microbial species are described as corrosive, certain groups, such as sulfate- and nitrate-reducing bacteria, acetogenic bacteria, and methanogenic archaea are the most commonly related. In spite of environmental factors influence the prevalence of certain species, it is increasingly accepted that the relationships between different species are determinant in corrosion. Such relationships can be evidenced by several surveys of microbial communities involved in bio-corrosion. Here, the main microbes related to corrosion in metallic structures used in oil installations are presented, as well as their metabolisms involved in the deterioration of metallic surfaces.
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16
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Stainless steel corrosion via direct iron-to-microbe electron transfer by Geobacter species. THE ISME JOURNAL 2021; 15:3084-3093. [PMID: 33972726 PMCID: PMC8443633 DOI: 10.1038/s41396-021-00990-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Microbial corrosion of iron-based materials is a substantial economic problem. A mechanistic understanding is required to develop mitigation strategies, but previous mechanistic studies have been limited to investigations with relatively pure Fe(0), which is not a common structural material. We report here that the mechanism for microbial corrosion of stainless steel, the metal of choice for many actual applications, can be significantly different from that for Fe(0). Although H2 is often an intermediary electron carrier between the metal and microbes during Fe(0) corrosion, we found that H2 is not abiotically produced from stainless steel, making this corrosion mechanism unlikely. Geobacter sulfurreducens and Geobacter metallireducens, electrotrophs that are known to directly accept electrons from other microbes or electrodes, extracted electrons from stainless steel via direct iron-to-microbe electron transfer. Genetic modification to prevent H2 consumption did not negatively impact on stainless steel corrosion. Corrosion was inhibited when genes for outer-surface cytochromes that are key electrical contacts were deleted. These results indicate that a common model of microbial Fe(0) corrosion by hydrogenase-positive microbes, in which H2 serves as an intermediary electron carrier between the metal surface and the microbe, may not apply to the microbial corrosion of stainless steel. However, direct iron-to-microbe electron transfer is a feasible route for stainless steel corrosion.
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17
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The Oligosaccharyltransferase AglB Supports Surface-Associated Growth and Iron Oxidation in Methanococcus maripaludis. Appl Environ Microbiol 2021; 87:e0099521. [PMID: 34132588 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00995-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Most microbial organisms grow as surface-attached communities known as biofilms. However, the mechanisms whereby methanogenic archaea grow attached to surfaces have remained understudied. Here, we show that the oligosaccharyltransferase AglB is essential for growth of Methanococcus maripaludis strain JJ on glass or metal surfaces. AglB glycosylates several cellular structures, such as pili, archaella, and the cell surface layer (S-layer). We show that the S-layer of strain JJ, but not strain S2, is a glycoprotein, that only strain JJ was capable of growth on surfaces, and that deletion of aglB blocked S-layer glycosylation and abolished surface-associated growth. A strain JJ mutant lacking structural components of the type IV-like pilus did not have a growth defect under any conditions tested, while a mutant lacking the preflagellin peptidase (ΔflaK) was defective for surface growth only when formate was provided as the sole electron donor. Finally, for strains that are capable of Fe0 oxidation, we show that deletion of aglB decreases the rate of anaerobic Fe0 oxidation, presumably due to decreased association of biomass with the Fe0 surface. Together, these data provide an initial characterization of surface-associated growth in a member of the methanogenic archaea. IMPORTANCE Methanogenic archaea are responsible for producing the majority of methane on Earth and catalyze the terminal reactions in the degradation of organic matter in anoxic environments. Methanogens often grow as biofilms associated with surfaces or partner organisms; however, the molecular details of surface-associated growth remain uncharacterized. We have found evidence that glycosylation of the cell surface layer is essential for growth of M. maripaludis on surfaces and can enhance rates of anaerobic iron corrosion. These results provide insight into the physiology of surface-associated methanogenic organisms and highlight the importance of surface association for anaerobic iron corrosion.
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18
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Iino T, Shono N, Ito K, Nakamura R, Sueoka K, Harayama S, Ohkuma M. Nitrite as a causal factor for nitrate-dependent anaerobic corrosion of metallic iron induced by Prolixibacter strains. Microbiologyopen 2021; 10:e1225. [PMID: 34459557 PMCID: PMC8368055 DOI: 10.1002/mbo3.1225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbially influenced corrosion (MIC) may contribute significantly to overall corrosion risks, especially in the gas and petroleum industries. In this study, we isolated four Prolixibacter strains, which belong to the phylum Bacteroidetes, and examined their nitrate respiration- and Fe0 -corroding activities, together with two previously isolated Prolixibacter strains. Four of the six Prolixibacter strains reduced nitrate under anaerobic conditions, while the other two strains did not. The anaerobic growth of the four nitrate-reducing strains was enhanced by nitrate, which was not observed in the two strains unable to reduce nitrate. When the nitrate-reducing strains were grown anaerobically in the presence of Fe0 or carbon steel, the corrosion of the materials was enhanced by more than 20-fold compared to that in aseptic controls. This enhancement was not observed in cultures of the strains unable to reduce nitrate. The oxidation of Fe0 in the anaerobic cultures of nitrate-reducing strains occurred concomitantly with the formation of nitrite. Since nitrite chemically oxidized Fe0 under anaerobic and aseptic conditions, the corrosion of Fe0 - and carbon steel by the nitrate-reducing Prolixibacter strains was deduced to be mainly enhanced via the biological reduction of nitrate to nitrite, followed by the chemical oxidation of Fe0 to Fe2+ and Fe3+ coupled to the reduction of nitrite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takao Iino
- Japan Collection of Microorganisms (JCM)RIKEN BioResource Research Center (RIKEN‐BRC)TsukubaJapan
| | - Nobuaki Shono
- Biofunctional Catalyst Research TeamCenter for Sustainable Resource Science, RIKENWakoJapan
- Present address:
Chitose Laboratory Corp.Biotechnology Research CenterKawasakiJapan
| | - Kimio Ito
- Resource and Process Solution DivisionMineral Resources DepartmentNippon Steel Technology Co., Ltd.FuttsuJapan
| | - Ryuhei Nakamura
- Biofunctional Catalyst Research TeamCenter for Sustainable Resource Science, RIKENWakoJapan
- Earth‐Life Science Institute (ELSI)Tokyo Institute of TechnologyMeguro‐kuJapan
| | - Kazuo Sueoka
- Environment Research LaboratoryAdvanced Technology Research LaboratoriesNippon Steel Co., Ltd.FuttsuJapan
| | - Shigeaki Harayama
- Department of Biological SciencesFaculty of Science and EngineeringChuo UniversityBunkyo‐kuJapan
| | - Moriya Ohkuma
- Japan Collection of Microorganisms (JCM)RIKEN BioResource Research Center (RIKEN‐BRC)TsukubaJapan
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19
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Chatterjee M, Fan Y, Cao F, Jones AA, Pilloni G, Zhang X. Proteomic study of Desulfovibrio ferrophilus IS5 reveals overexpressed extracellular multi-heme cytochrome associated with severe microbiologically influenced corrosion. Sci Rep 2021; 11:15458. [PMID: 34326431 PMCID: PMC8322314 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-95060-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) is recognized as a considerable threat to carbon steel asset integrity in the oil and gas industry. There is an immediate need for reliable and broadly applicable methods for detection and monitoring of MIC. Proteins associated with microbial metabolisms involved in MIC could serve as useful biomarkers for MIC diagnosis and monitoring. A proteomic study was conducted using a lithotrophically-grown bacterium Desulfovibrio ferrophilus strain IS5, which is known to cause severe MIC in seawater environments. Unique proteins, which are differentially and uniquely expressed during severe microbial corrosion by strain IS5, were identified. This includes the detection of a multi-heme cytochrome protein possibly involved in extracellular electron transfer in the presence of the carbon steel. Thus, we conclude that this newly identified protein associated closely with severe MIC could be used to generate easy-to-implement immunoassays for reliable detection of microbiological corrosion in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohor Chatterjee
- Corporate Strategic Research, ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company, 1545 Route 22 East, Annandale, NJ, 08801, USA
| | - Yu Fan
- ExxonMobil Technical Computing Company, 1545 Route 22 East, Annandale, NJ, 08801, USA
| | - Fang Cao
- Corporate Strategic Research, ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company, 1545 Route 22 East, Annandale, NJ, 08801, USA
| | - Aaron A Jones
- Corporate Strategic Research, ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company, 1545 Route 22 East, Annandale, NJ, 08801, USA
| | - Giovanni Pilloni
- Corporate Strategic Research, ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company, 1545 Route 22 East, Annandale, NJ, 08801, USA
| | - Xiaozhou Zhang
- Corporate Strategic Research, ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company, 1545 Route 22 East, Annandale, NJ, 08801, USA.
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20
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Tamisier M, Schmidt M, Vogt C, Kümmel S, Stryhanyuk H, Musat N, Richnow HH, Musat F. Iron corrosion by methanogenic archaea characterized by stable isotope effects and crust mineralogy. Environ Microbiol 2021; 24:583-595. [PMID: 34190386 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.15658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Carbon and hydrogen stable isotope effects associated with methane formation by the corrosive archaeon Methanobacterium strain IM1 were determined during growth with hydrogen and iron. Isotope analyses were complemented by structural, elemental and molecular composition analyses of corrosion crusts. During growth with H2 , strain IM1 formed methane with average δ13 C of -43.5‰ and δ2 H of -370‰. Corrosive growth led to methane more depleted in 13 C, with average δ13 C ranging from -56‰ to -64‰ during the early and the late growth phase respectively. The corresponding δ2 H were less impacted by the growth phase, with average values ranging from -316 to -329‰. The stable isotope fractionation factors, α 13 C CO 2 / CH 4 , were 1.026 and 1.042 for hydrogenotrophic and corrosive growth respectively. Corrosion crusts formed by strain IM1 have a domed structure, appeared electrically conductive and were composed of siderite, calcite and iron sulfide, the latter formed by precipitation of sulfide (from culture medium) with ferrous iron generated during corrosion. Strain IM1 cells were found attached to crust surfaces and encrusted deep inside crust domes. Our results may assist to diagnose methanogens-induced corrosion in the field and suggest that intrusion of sulfide in anoxic settings may stimulate corrosion by methanogenic archaea via formation of semiconductive crusts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Tamisier
- Department of Isotope Biogeochemistry, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, Leipzig, 04318, Germany
| | - Matthias Schmidt
- Department of Isotope Biogeochemistry, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, Leipzig, 04318, Germany
| | - Carsten Vogt
- Department of Isotope Biogeochemistry, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, Leipzig, 04318, Germany
| | - Steffen Kümmel
- Department of Isotope Biogeochemistry, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, Leipzig, 04318, Germany
| | - Hryhoriy Stryhanyuk
- Department of Isotope Biogeochemistry, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, Leipzig, 04318, Germany
| | - Niculina Musat
- Department of Isotope Biogeochemistry, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, Leipzig, 04318, Germany
| | - Hans-Hermann Richnow
- Department of Isotope Biogeochemistry, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, Leipzig, 04318, Germany
| | - Florin Musat
- Department of Isotope Biogeochemistry, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, Leipzig, 04318, Germany
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21
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Palacios PA, Francis WR, Rotaru AE. A Win-Loss Interaction on Fe 0 Between Methanogens and Acetogens From a Climate Lake. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:638282. [PMID: 34054747 PMCID: PMC8158942 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.638282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Diverse physiological groups congregate into environmental corrosive biofilms, yet the interspecies interactions between these corrosive physiological groups are seldom examined. We, therefore, explored Fe0-dependent cross-group interactions between acetogens and methanogens from lake sediments. On Fe0, acetogens were more corrosive and metabolically active when decoupled from methanogens, whereas methanogens were more metabolically active when coupled with acetogens. This suggests an opportunistic (win-loss) interaction on Fe0 between acetogens (loss) and methanogens (win). Clostridia and Methanobacterium were the major candidates doing acetogenesis and methanogenesis after four transfers (metagenome sequencing) and the only groups detected after 11 transfers (amplicon sequencing) on Fe0. Since abiotic H2 failed to explain the high metabolic rates on Fe0, we examined whether cell exudates (spent media filtrate) promoted the H2-evolving reaction on Fe0 above abiotic controls. Undeniably, spent media filtrate generated three- to four-fold more H2 than abiotic controls, which could be partly explained by thermolabile enzymes and partly by non-thermolabile constituents released by cells. Next, we examined the metagenome for candidate enzymes/shuttles that could catalyze H2 evolution from Fe0 and found candidate H2-evolving hydrogenases and an almost complete pathway for flavin biosynthesis in Clostridium. Clostridial ferredoxin-dependent [FeFe]-hydrogenases may be catalyzing the H2-evolving reaction on Fe0, explaining the significant H2 evolved by spent media exposed to Fe0. It is typical of Clostridia to secrete enzymes and other small molecules for lytic purposes. Here, they may secrete such molecules to enhance their own electron uptake from extracellular electron donors but indirectly make their H2-consuming neighbors-Methanobacterium-fare five times better in their presence. The particular enzymes and constituents promoting H2 evolution from Fe0 remain to be determined. However, we postulate that in a static environment like corrosive crust biofilms in lake sediments, less corrosive methanogens like Methanobacterium could extend corrosion long after acetogenesis ceased, by exploiting the constituents secreted by acetogens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Amelia-Elena Rotaru
- Nordcee, Department of Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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22
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Lekbach Y, Liu T, Li Y, Moradi M, Dou W, Xu D, Smith JA, Lovley DR. Microbial corrosion of metals: The corrosion microbiome. Adv Microb Physiol 2021; 78:317-390. [PMID: 34147188 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ampbs.2021.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Microbially catalyzed corrosion of metals is a substantial economic concern. Aerobic microbes primarily enhance Fe0 oxidation through indirect mechanisms and their impact appears to be limited compared to anaerobic microbes. Several anaerobic mechanisms are known to accelerate Fe0 oxidation. Microbes can consume H2 abiotically generated from the oxidation of Fe0. Microbial H2 removal makes continued Fe0 oxidation more thermodynamically favorable. Extracellular hydrogenases further accelerate Fe0 oxidation. Organic electron shuttles such as flavins, phenazines, and possibly humic substances may replace H2 as the electron carrier between Fe0 and cells. Direct Fe0-to-microbe electron transfer is also possible. Which of these anaerobic mechanisms predominates in model pure culture isolates is typically poorly documented because of a lack of functional genetic studies. Microbial mechanisms for Fe0 oxidation may also apply to some other metals. An ultimate goal of microbial metal corrosion research is to develop molecular tools to diagnose the occurrence, mechanisms, and rates of metal corrosion to guide the implementation of the most effective mitigation strategies. A systems biology approach that includes innovative isolation and characterization methods, as well as functional genomic investigations, will be required in order to identify the diagnostic features to be gleaned from meta-omic analysis of corroding materials. A better understanding of microbial metal corrosion mechanisms is expected to lead to new corrosion mitigation strategies. The understanding of the corrosion microbiome is clearly in its infancy, but interdisciplinary electrochemical, microbiological, and molecular tools are available to make rapid progress in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yassir Lekbach
- Shenyang National Laboratory for Materials Science, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China; Electrobiomaterials Institute, Key Laboratory for Anisotropy and Texture of Materials (Ministry of Education), Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Tao Liu
- College of Ocean Science and Engineering, Shanghai Maritime University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingchao Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Failure, Corrosion and Protection of Oil/Gas Facility Materials, College of New Energy and Materials, China University of Petroleum-Beijing, Beijing, China
| | - Masoumeh Moradi
- Shenyang National Laboratory for Materials Science, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China; Electrobiomaterials Institute, Key Laboratory for Anisotropy and Texture of Materials (Ministry of Education), Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Wenwen Dou
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Dake Xu
- Shenyang National Laboratory for Materials Science, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China; Electrobiomaterials Institute, Key Laboratory for Anisotropy and Texture of Materials (Ministry of Education), Northeastern University, Shenyang, China.
| | - Jessica A Smith
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Central Connecticut State University, New Britain, CT, United States
| | - Derek R Lovley
- Electrobiomaterials Institute, Key Laboratory for Anisotropy and Texture of Materials (Ministry of Education), Northeastern University, Shenyang, China; Department of Microbiology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, United States.
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23
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Severe Corrosion of Carbon Steel in Oil Field Produced Water Can Be Linked to Methanogenic Archaea Containing a Special Type of [NiFe] Hydrogenase. Appl Environ Microbiol 2021; 87:AEM.01819-20. [PMID: 33257309 PMCID: PMC7848899 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01819-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Methanogenic archaea have long been implicated in microbially influenced corrosion (MIC) of oil and gas infrastructure, yet a first understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms has only recently emerged. We surveyed pipeline-associated microbiomes from geographically distinct oil field facilities and found methanogens to account for 0.2 to 9.3% of the 16S rRNA gene sequencing reads. Neither the type nor the abundance of the detected methanogens was correlated with the perceived severity of MIC in these pipelines. Using fluids from one pipeline, MIC was reproduced in the laboratory, both under stagnant conditions and in customized corrosion reactors simulating pipeline flow. High corrosion rates (up to 2.43 mm Fe0 · yr-1) with macroscopic, localized corrosion features were attributed to lithotrophic, mesophilic microbial activity. Other laboratory tests with the same waters yielded negligible corrosion rates (<0.08 mm Fe0 · yr-1). Recently, a novel [NiFe] hydrogenase from Methanococcus maripaludis strain OS7 was demonstrated to accelerate corrosion. We developed a specific quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay and detected the gene encoding the large subunit of this hydrogenase (labeled micH) in corrosive (>0.15 mm Fe0 · yr-1) biofilms. The micH gene, on the other hand, was absent in noncorrosive biofilms, despite an abundance of methanogens. Reconstruction of a nearly complete Methanococcus maripaludis genome from a highly corrosive mixed biofilm revealed micH and associated genes in nearly identical genetic configuration to that in strain OS7, thereby supporting our hypothesis that the encoded molecular mechanism contributed to corrosion. Lastly, the proposed MIC biomarker was detected in multiple oil fields, indicating a geographically widespread involvement of this [NiFe] hydrogenase in MIC.IMPORTANCE Microorganisms can deteriorate built environments, which is particularly problematic in the case of pipelines transporting hydrocarbons to industrial end users. MIC is notoriously difficult to detect and monitor and, as a consequence, is a particularly difficult corrosion mechanism to manage. Despite the advent of molecular tools and improved microbial monitoring strategies for oil and gas operations, specific underlying MIC mechanisms in pipelines remain largely enigmatic. Emerging mechanistic understanding of methanogenic MIC derived from pure culture work allowed us to develop a qPCR assay that distinguishes technically problematic from benign methanogens in a West African oil field. Detection of the same gene in geographically diverse samples from North America hints at the widespread applicability of this assay. The research presented here offers a step toward a mechanistic understanding of biocorrosion in oil fields and introduces a binary marker for (methanogenic) MIC that can find application in corrosion management programs in industrial settings.
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24
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Mand J, Enning D. Oil field microorganisms cause highly localized corrosion on chemically inhibited carbon steel. Microb Biotechnol 2021; 14:171-185. [PMID: 32940951 PMCID: PMC7888452 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.13644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Carbon steel pipelines, a means for crude oil transportation, occasionally experience highly localized perforation caused by microorganisms. While microorganisms grown in laboratory culture tend to corrode steel specimens unevenly, they rarely inflict a corrosion morphology consistent with that of pipelines, where centimetre-sized corrosion features are randomly distributed within vast stretches of otherwise pristine metal surface. In this study, we observed that corrosion inhibitors (CIs), widely used for the control of acid gas (H2 S, CO2 ) corrosion in oil fields, also affect microbial growth and activity. Inhibited carbon steel resisted biofilm formation and underwent negligible corrosion (< 0.002 mm Fe0 year-1 ), despite 15 months of exposure to oil field waters harbouring a diverse microbiome. In contrast, physical scavenging of CI in these waters led to severe and highly localized corrosion (up to 0.93 mm Fe0 year-1 ) underneath biofilms dominated by methanogenic archaea and sulfate-reducing bacteria. A sharp decline in CI concentration, as well as its active components, quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs), correlated with microbial sulfidogenesis. CIs are ubiquitously present in oil field waters and play an underappreciated role in microbial corrosion mitigation. Physical and biological scavenging of CIs may create local differences in steel inhibition effectiveness and thus result in highly localized corrosion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaspreet Mand
- Research & Technology DevelopmentUpstream Integrated SolutionsExxonMobil Upstream Research CompanySpringTXUSA
| | - Dennis Enning
- Research & Technology DevelopmentUpstream Integrated SolutionsExxonMobil Upstream Research CompanySpringTXUSA
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25
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Gupta D, Guzman MS, Bose A. Extracellular electron uptake by autotrophic microbes: physiological, ecological, and evolutionary implications. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 47:863-876. [DOI: 10.1007/s10295-020-02309-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Microbes exchange electrons with their extracellular environment via direct or indirect means. This exchange is bidirectional and supports essential microbial oxidation–reduction processes, such as respiration and photosynthesis. The microbial capacity to use electrons from insoluble electron donors, such as redox-active minerals, poised electrodes, or even other microbial cells is called extracellular electron uptake (EEU). Autotrophs with this capability can thrive in nutrient and soluble electron donor-deficient environments. As primary producers, autotrophic microbes capable of EEU greatly impact microbial ecology and play important roles in matter and energy flow in the biosphere. In this review, we discuss EEU-driven autotrophic metabolisms, their mechanism and physiology, and highlight their ecological, evolutionary, and biotechnological implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinesh Gupta
- grid.4367.6 0000 0001 2355 7002 Department of Biology Washington University in St. Louis One Brookings Drive 63130 St. Louis MO USA
| | - Michael S Guzman
- grid.250008.f 0000 0001 2160 9702 Biosciences and Biotechnology Division Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Livermore CA USA
| | - Arpita Bose
- grid.4367.6 0000 0001 2355 7002 Department of Biology Washington University in St. Louis One Brookings Drive 63130 St. Louis MO USA
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26
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Yee MO, Deutzmann J, Spormann A, Rotaru AE. Cultivating electroactive microbes-from field to bench. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2020; 31:174003. [PMID: 31931483 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/ab6ab5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Electromicrobiology is an emerging field investigating and exploiting the interaction of microorganisms with insoluble electron donors or acceptors. Some of the most recently categorized electroactive microorganisms became of interest to sustainable bioengineering practices. However, laboratories worldwide typically maintain electroactive microorganisms on soluble substrates, which often leads to a decrease or loss of the ability to effectively exchange electrons with solid electrode surfaces. In order to develop future sustainable technologies, we cannot rely solely on existing lab-isolates. Therefore, we must develop isolation strategies for environmental strains with electroactive properties superior to strains in culture collections. In this article, we provide an overview of the studies that isolated or enriched electroactive microorganisms from the environment using an anode as the sole electron acceptor (electricity-generating microorganisms) or a cathode as the sole electron donor (electricity-consuming microorganisms). Next, we recommend a selective strategy for the isolation of electroactive microorganisms. Furthermore, we provide a practical guide for setting up electrochemical reactors and highlight crucial electrochemical techniques to determine electroactivity and the mode of electron transfer in novel organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mon Oo Yee
- Nordcee, Department of Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, DK-5230, Denmark
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An BA, Kleinbub S, Ozcan O, Koerdt A. Iron to Gas: Versatile Multiport Flow-Column Revealed Extremely High Corrosion Potential by Methanogen-Induced Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (Mi-MIC). Front Microbiol 2020; 11:527. [PMID: 32296410 PMCID: PMC7136402 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) is regarded as the main culprit of microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC), mainly due to the low reported corrosion rates of other microorganisms. For example, the highest reported corrosion rate for methanogens is 0.065 mm/yr. However, by investigating methanogen-induced microbiologically influenced corrosion (Mi-MIC) using an in-house developed versatile multiport flow test column, extremely high corrosion rates were observed. We analyzed a large set of carbon steel beads, which were sectionally embedded into the test columns as substrates for iron-utilizing methanogen Methanobacterium IM1. After 14 days of operation using glass beads as fillers for section separation, the highest average corrosion rate of Methanobacterium IM1 was 0.2 mm/yr, which doubled that of Desulfovibrio ferrophilus IS5 and Desulfovibrio alaskensis 16109 investigated at the same conditions. At the most corroded region, nearly 80% of the beads lost 1% of their initial weight (fast-corrosion), resulting in an average corrosion rate of 0.2 mm/yr for Methanobacterium IM1-treated columns. When sand was used as filler material to mimic sediment conditions, average corrosion rates for Methanobacterium IM1 increased to 0.3 mm/yr (maximum 0.52 mm/yr) with over 83% of the beads having corrosion rates above 0.3 mm/yr. Scanning electron images of metal coupons extracted from the column showed methanogenic cells were clustered close to the metal surface. Methanobacterium IM1 is a hydrogenotrophic methanogen with higher affinity to metal than H2. Unlike SRB, Methanobacterium IM1 is not restricted to the availability of sulfate concentration in the environment. Thus, the use of the multiport flow column provided a new insight on the corrosion potential of methanogens, particularly in dynamic conditions, that offers new opportunities for monitoring and development of mitigation strategies. Overall, this study shows (1) under certain conditions methanogenic archaea can cause higher corrosion than SRB, (2) specific quantifications, i.e., maximum, average, and minimum corrosion rates can be determined, and (3) that spatial statistical evaluations of MIC can be carried out.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Andrea Koerdt
- Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung, Berlin, Germany
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LaBelle EV, Marshall CW, May HD. Microbiome for the Electrosynthesis of Chemicals from Carbon Dioxide. Acc Chem Res 2020; 53:62-71. [PMID: 31809012 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.9b00522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The price for renewable electricity is rapidly decreasing, and the availability of such energy is expected to increase in the coming years. This is a welcomed outcome considering that mitigation of climate disruption due to the use of fossil carbon is reaching a critical stage. However, the economy will remain dependent on carbon-based chemicals and the problem of electricity storage persists. Therefore, the development of electrosynthetic processes that convert electricity and CO2 into chemicals and energy dense fuels, perhaps even food, would be desirable. Electrochemistry has been applied to the manufacture of many valuable products and at a large industrial scale, but it is difficult to produce multicarbon chemicals from CO2 by chemistry alone. Being that the biological world possesses expertise at the construction of C-C bonds, it is being examined in conjunction with electrochemistry to discover new ways of synthesizing chemicals from electricity and CO2. One approach is microbial electrosynthesis. This Account describes the development of a microbial electrosynthesis system by the authors. A biocathode consisting of a carbon-based electrode and a microbial community produced short chain fatty acids, primarily acetate. The device works by electrolysis of water, but microbes facilitate electron transfer from the cathode while reducing CO2 by the Wood-Ljungdahl pathway possessed by an Acetobacterium sp. While this acetogenic microorganism dominates the microbiome growing on the cathode surface, 13 total species of microbes overall were ecologically selected on the cathode and genomes for each have been assembled. The combined species may contribute to the stability of the microbiome, a common feature of naturally selected microbial communities. The microbial electrosynthesis system was demonstrated to operate continuously at a cathode for more than 2 years and could also be used with intermittent power, thus demonstrating the stability of the microbiome living at the cathode. In addition to the description of reactor design and startup procedures, the possible mechanisms of electron transfer are described in this Account. While mysteries remain to be solved, much evidence indicates that the microbiome may facilitate electron transfer by supplying catalyst(s) external to the bacterial cells and onto the cathode surface. This may be in the form of a hydrogen-producing catalyst that enhances hydrogen generation by an inert carbon-based electrode. Through the enrichment of the electrosynthetic microbiome along with several modifications in reactor design and operation, the productivity and efficiency were improved. In addition to the intrinsic value of the current products, coupling the process with a secondary stage might be used to produce more valuable products from the acetic acid stream such as lipids, biocrude oil, or higher value food supplements. Alternatively, additional work on the mechanism of electron transfer, reactor design/operation, and modification of the microbes through synthetic biology, particularly to enhance carbon efficiency into higher value chemicals, are the needed next steps to advance microbial electrosynthesis so that it may be used to transform renewable electrons and CO2 directly into products and help solve the problem of climate disruption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward V. LaBelle
- Department of Organismic & Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
| | - Christopher W. Marshall
- Department of Biological Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53233, United States
| | - Harold D. May
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Hollings Marine Laboratory, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29412, United States
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Philips J. Extracellular Electron Uptake by Acetogenic Bacteria: Does H 2 Consumption Favor the H 2 Evolution Reaction on a Cathode or Metallic Iron? Front Microbiol 2020; 10:2997. [PMID: 31998274 PMCID: PMC6966493 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.02997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Some acetogenic bacteria are capable of using solid electron donors, such as a cathode or metallic iron [Fe(0)]. Acetogens using a cathode as electron donor are of interest for novel applications such as microbial electrosynthesis, while microorganisms using Fe(0) as electron donor cause detrimental microbial induced corrosion. The capacity to use solid electron donors strongly differs between acetogenic strains, which likely relates to their extracellular electron transfer (EET) mechanism. Different EET mechanisms have been proposed for acetogenic bacteria, including a direct mechanism and a H2 dependent indirect mechanism combined with extracellular hydrogenases catalyzing the H2 evolution reaction on the cathode or Fe(0) surface. Interestingly, low H2 partial pressures often prevail during acetogenesis with solid electron donors. Hence, an additional mechanism is here proposed: the maintenance of low H2 partial pressures by microbial H2 consumption, which thermodynamically favors the H2 evolution reaction on the cathode or Fe(0) surface. This work elaborates how the H2 partial pressure affects the H2 evolution onset potential and the H2 evolution rate on a cathode, as well as the free energy change of the anoxic corrosion reaction. In addition, the H2 consumption characteristics, i.e., H2 threshold (thermodynamic limit for H2 consumption) and H2 consumption kinetic parameters, of acetogenic bacteria are reviewed and evidence is discussed for strongly different H2 consumption characteristics. Different acetogenic strains are thus expected to maintain different H2 partial pressures on a cathode or Fe(0) surface, while those that maintain lower H2 partial pressures (lower H2 threshold, higher H2 affinity) more strongly increase the H2 evolution reaction. Consequently, I hypothesize that the different capacities of acetogenic bacteria to use solid electron donors are related to differences in their H2 consumption characteristics. The focus of this work is on acetogenic bacteria, but similar considerations are likely also relevant for other hydrogenotrophic microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jo Philips
- Department of Engineering, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Baltic Sea methanogens compete with acetogens for electrons from metallic iron. ISME JOURNAL 2019; 13:3011-3023. [PMID: 31444483 PMCID: PMC6864099 DOI: 10.1038/s41396-019-0490-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Revised: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Microbially induced corrosion of metallic iron (Fe0)-containing structures is an environmental and economic hazard. Methanogens are abundant in low-sulfide environments and yet their specific role in Fe0 corrosion is poorly understood. In this study, Sporomusa and Methanosarcina dominated enrichments from Baltic Sea methanogenic sediments that were established with Fe0 as the sole electron donor and CO2 as the electron acceptor. The Baltic-Sporomusa was phylogenetically affiliated to the electroactive acetogen S. silvacetica. Baltic-Sporomusa adjusted rapidly to growth on H2. On Fe0, spent filtrate enhanced growth of this acetogen suggesting that it was using endogenous enzymes to retrieve electrons and produce acetate. Previous studies have proposed that acetate produced by acetogens can feed commensal acetoclastic methanogens such as Methanosarcina. However, Baltic-methanogens could not generate methane from acetate, plus the decrease or absence of acetogens stimulated their growth. The decrease in numbers of Sporomusa was concurrent with an upsurge in Methanosarcina and increased methane production, suggesting that methanogens compete with acetogens for electrons from Fe0. Furthermore, Baltic-methanogens were unable to use H2 (1.5 atm) for methanogenesis and were inhibited by spent filtrate additions, indicating that enzymatically produced H2 is not a favorable electron donor. We hypothesize that Baltic-methanogens retrieve electrons from Fe0 via a yet enigmatic direct electron uptake mechanism.
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