Extracellular electron transfer (EET) is a crucial process in microbial ecology, biotechnology, and bioenergy applications. This phenomenon involves the transfer of electrons between microorganisms and external electron acceptors or donors, which plays a significant role in biogeochemical cycles, energy generation, and environmental remediation. This Research Topic aims to gather cutting-edge research and insights on various aspects of EET in microorganisms, focusing on the development of related technologies, electrode materials, mechanistic insights, interspecies electron transfer, and microbial electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction.
We invite contributions that explore, but are not limited to, the following themes:
1. Equipment Development: Innovations in devices and technologies that facilitate the study and application of EET in microbial systems. This includes advancements in electrochemical sensors, microbial fuel cells, and bioelectrochemical systems that enhance electron transfer efficiency and monitoring.
2. Electrode materials development: Exploration of novel electrode materials that improve electron transfer rates and stability in microbial electrochemical systems. This includes studies on conductive materials, coatings, and modifications, et. al, that enhance the performance of electrodes in bioelectrochemical applications.
3. Mechanistic Insights: Detailed investigations into the mechanisms underlying EET in microorganisms. This encompasses studies on the molecular and biochemical pathways involved, the role of extracellular structures such as nanowires, cyt-C, and biofilms, and the impact of environmental factors on electron transfer processes.
4. Interspecies Electron Transfer: Research on the dynamics of electron transfer between different microbial species, including syntrophic relationships and the implications for microbial community structure and function. Understanding these interactions is essential for harnessing EET in various biotechnological applications.
5. Microbial Electrochemical Carbon Dioxide Reduction: Exploration of how microorganisms utilize EET for the electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide. This includes studies on metabolic pathways, reactor design, and the potential for carbon capture and utilization in sustainable energy production.
This Research Topic aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of research on extracellular electron transfer in microorganisms, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange among scientists and practitioners in the field. We believe that this collection of articles will not only advance our understanding of EET but also inspire new innovations and applications in microbial biotechnology and environmental sustainability.
Article types and fees
This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:
Editorial
FAIR² Data
Hypothesis and Theory
Methods
Mini Review
Opinion
Original Research
Perspective
Review
Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.
Article types
This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:
Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
