A long way to the electrode: how do Geobacter cells transport their electrons?

BONANNI P. SEBASTIAN; SCHROTT GERMÁN D.; BUSALMEN J.P.

BIOCHEMICAL SOCIETY TRANSACTIONS

PORTLAND PRESS LTD

Lugar: Londres; Año: 2012 vol. 40 p. 1274 - 1279

0300-5127

The mechanism of electron transport in Geobacter sulfurreducens biofilms is a topic under intense study and debate. Although some proteins were found to be essential for current production, the specific role that each one plays in the electron transport to the electrode remains to be elucidated and a consensus on the mechanism of electron transport has not been reached. In the present work, to understand the state of the art in the topic, electron transport from inside of the cell to the electrode in Geobacter sulfurreducens biofilms is analyzed, reviewing genetic studies, biofilm conductivity assays and electrochemical and spectro-electrochemical experiments. Besides, crucial data still lacking to achieve a deeper understanding is highlighted.