Work

Identifying key drivers of product formation in microbial electrosynthesis with a mixed linear regression analysis

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Defossilization of industrial processes has led to a growing interest in alternative biotechnologies capable of producing chemicals from renewable resources. Microbial electrosynthesis (MES) is an emerging technology in which electrotrophic microorganisms utilize electrons from a cathode and CO 2 to produce multi-carbon compounds. To reach industrial application, clearer insights into the interactions between underlying biological, electrochemical, and physicochemical processes are required. Although individual parameters have been widely studied, identifying the most influential factors and their interactions remains challenging. This study applies design of experiments (DoE) and mixed linear regression modeling (MLRM) to examine the influence of pH, CO 2 and H 2 partial pressures, acetic acid concentration, and the addition of tungsten and selenium on the production spectrum in biofilm-driven MES. The developed DoE-MLRM approach highlights the key role of pH and CO 2 availability in supporting carbon fixation and acetate production, while the trace metals selenium and tungsten mostly promote chain elongation.

Source: Cell Reports Physical Science

DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrp.2025.102934

Authors: Marika Alida Johanna Zegers, Moumita Roy, Ludovic Jourdin

Institution: Delft University of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Microbial Fuel Cells and Bioremediation

Subfield: Environmental Engineering

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $5,620