Multiheme Cytochrome Mediated Redox Conduction through Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 Cells

J Am Chem Soc. 2018 Aug 15;140(32):10085-10089. doi: 10.1021/jacs.8b05104. Epub 2018 Aug 2.

Abstract

Multiheme cytochromes function as extracellular electron transfer (EET) conduits that extend the metabolic reach of microorganisms to external solid surfaces. These conduits are also proposed to facilitate long-distance electron transport along cellular membranes and across multiple cells. Here we report electrochemical gating measurements of Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 cells linking interdigitated electrodes. The dependence of the source-drain current on gate potential demonstrates a redox conduction mechanism, which we link to the presence of multiheme cytochromes of the Mtr pathway. We also find that the measured thermal activation energy of 0.29 ± 0.03 eV is consistent with these obtained from electron hopping calculations through the S. oneidensis Mtr outer-membrane decaheme cytochromes. Our measurements and calculations have implications for understanding and controlling micrometer-scale electron transport in microbial systems.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Cell Membrane / physiology*
  • Computer Simulation
  • Cytochromes / chemistry
  • Cytochromes / metabolism*
  • Electrochemistry
  • Electron Transport
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Shewanella / physiology*
  • Temperature

Substances

  • Cytochromes