A role for microbial palladium nanoparticles in extracellular electron transfer.

Abstract

Herein we have demonstrated a DET mechanism used by D. desulfuricans; where the periplasmic cytochromes and hydrogenases play an important role, and Pd nanoparticles bound to the microbes may participate in the electron transfer process. The present work is of importance not only for the fundamental studies of electron transfer processes in microbial physiology and ecology, but also for increased understanding and improvement of the performance of bioelectrochemical techniques e.g. precious metals are extensively used and important catalysts, and therefore present in many industry processing wastewaters. Bio-nanoparticles can oxidize in situ metabolites e.g. H2, formate and ethanol in the anode chambers, while also acting as cathodic catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction[23]. In addition, this study indicates the feasibility of using bioelectrochemical systems for metal immobilization, recovery or detoxification

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