Abstract

Various bacteria are capable of transferring (and uptake) electrons to (from) electrode surfaces, a process defined as extracellular electron transfer. This unique capability paved the way to the development of bio-hybrid electrochemical systems for sustainable micro/low power production, biosensing, and bioelectrosynthesis. Interfacing photosynthetic bacteria with electrodes enables converting solar energy into electrical energy; however, the photosynthetic apparatus of these intact biocatalysts (i.e., purple bacteria and cyanobacteria) is physically separated from the electrode surface by the presence of various membrane layers, hindering the photoexcited electron transfer. Herein, recent works on the understanding of the extracellular electron transfer between intact purple bacteria and electrodes, and the development of sustainable artificial approaches for tuning this process will be discussed. Finally, enthralling future research directions will be presented, with the application of purple bacteria in bio-hybrid electrochemical systems for contaminants monitoring. [https://meet.goto.com/230198165]