Biofilms are microbes attached to a surface. The microbes form a film on the surface, giving rise to the name biofilm. This Application Note deals specifically with bacterial biofilms that convert chemicals to electrical current on electrodes. Because of this function, we refer to them as electrochemically active biofilms (EABs). Interest in EABs ranges from their function as bioanodes and biocathodes in microbial fuel cells to new types of biosensors as well as novel biosynthesis of sustainable chemicals. This application note shows results for Geobacter sulfurreducens, an oxygen-intolerant species of bacteria able to grow on electrodes.1 If you are not familiar with quartz-crystal microbalances, see our Application Note “Basics of a quartz crystal microbalance”. |