Cable electricity O2 · Harnessing the electric potential of cable bacteria to generate electricity sustainably

Harnessing the electric potential of cable bacteria to generate electricity sustainably

The focus of the project was on cable bacteria, long, multicellular bacteria that conduct electrons across centimeter distances in sediments. These bacteria are unique in biology and hold promise as living “wires.” We investigated how cable bacteria interact with electrodes and demonstrated that they can form stable connections with electronic materials. This work lays the foundation for biohybrid devices that merge biological electron transfer with modern technology. The pathway to impact involves two key steps: Fundamental discoveries – by identifying new microbial strategies for respiration and electricity transfer, the project advances our basic knowledge of life. Application potential – by exploring integration of cable bacteria with electrodes, the project takes the first steps toward applications in biosensors, sustainable bioelectronics, and environmental technologies. This research aligns with major European priorities, including the European Green Deal and Horizon Europe’s commitment to sustainable innovation. By deepening our understanding of microbes that link biology and electricity, the project contributes to the development of future clean technologies, while training the next generation of researchers in an emerging interdisciplinary field. Another aspect of this project explored how microorganisms can transfer electricity and how this property can be harnessed to develop new technologies and address environmental challenges. Traditionally, microbes have been thought of as switching between aerobic (oxygen-based) and anaerobic (oxygen-free) lifestyles depending on environmental conditions. Our work overturns this view by showing that certain bacteria can combine both processes at the same time, offering new insights into microbial metabolism and evolution. This discovery has significant implications for both science and society. From a scientific perspective, it opens a new chapter in microbiology by expanding our understanding of how life interacts with the environment at the level of electron flow. From an applied perspective, it suggests new opportunities in bioremediation, where bacteria could be used to clean up polluted environments under conditions previously thought unsuitable.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union