Role of bacterial quorum sensing and quenching mechanism in the efficient operation of microbial electrochemical technologies: A state-of-the-art review

Sukanya Chakraborty; Yasser Bashir; Vandana Sirotiya; Ankesh Ahirwar; Sovik Das; Vandana Vinayak

doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e16205

Role of bacterial quorum sensing and quenching mechanism in the efficient operation of microbial electrochemical technologies: A state-of-the-art review

Heliyon. 2023 May 12;9(5):e16205. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e16205. eCollection 2023 May.

Authors

Sukanya Chakraborty¹, Yasser Bashir², Vandana Sirotiya¹, Ankesh Ahirwar^{1

3}, Sovik Das², Vandana Vinayak¹

Affiliations

¹ Diatom Nanoengineering and Metabolism Laboratory (DNM), School of Applied Science, Dr. Harisingh Gour Central University, Sagar, MP, 470003, India.
² Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, 110016, India.
³ Metabolism, Bioengineering of Microalgal Metabolism and Applications (MIMMA), Mer Molecules Santé, Le Mans University, IUML - FR 3473 CNRS, Le Mans, France.

Abstract

Microbial electrochemical technologies (METs) are a group of innovative technologies that produce valuables like bioelectricity and biofuels with the simultaneous treatment of wastewater from microorganisms known as electroactive microorganisms. The electroactive microorganisms are capable of transferring electrons to the anode of a MET through various metabolic pathways such as direct (via cytochrome or pili) or indirect (through transporters) transfer. Though this technology is promising, the inferior yield of valuables and the high cost of reactor fabrication are presently impeding the large-scale application of this technology. Therefore, to overcome these major bottlenecks, a lot of research has been dedicated to the application of bacterial signalling, for instance, quorum sensing (QS) and quorum quenching (QQ) mechanisms in METs to improve its efficacy in order to achieve a higher power density and to make it more cost-effective. The QS circuit in bacteria produces auto-inducer signal molecules, which enhances the biofilm-forming ability and regulates the bacterial attachment on the electrode of METs. On the other hand, the QQ circuit can effectively function as an antifouling agent for the membranes used in METs and microbial membrane bioreactors, which is imperative for their stable long-term operation. This state-of-the-art review thus distinctly describes in detail the interaction between the QQ and QS systems in bacteria employed in METs to generate value-added by-products, antifouling strategies, and the recent applications of the signalling mechanisms in METs to improve their yield. Further, the article also throws some light on the recent advancements and the challenges faced while incorporating QS and QQ mechanisms in various types of METs. Thus, this review article will help budding researchers in upscaling METs with the integration of the QS signalling mechanism in METs.

Keywords: Bioelectrochemistry; Microbial electrochemical technology; Quorum quenching; Quorum sensing; Wastewater treatment.

Publication types

Review