The overlooked yet critical role of catholyte composition in microbial electrosynthesis.
AI summary
70% confidenceThe catholyte composition in microbial electrosynthesis (MES) has been overlooked, yet it plays a critical role in determining MES performance, with mismatches in metal availability and electrode interactions affecting microbial growth and electrochemical efficiency. A tailored catholyte formulation is proposed to improve MES performance, which can be achieved by reframing the catholyte as a key design parameter. This strategy has the potential to optimize MES and serve as a model for broader biotechnological applications.
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Abstract
The circular economy should include CO 2 valorization, which could be achieved via microbial electrosynthesis (MES). In MES, the catholyte supplies all nutrients, yet its composition has been adopted from other biotechnologies, overlooking specific needs of MES. In this Perspective, we examine how catholyte design impacts MES performance at microbial, electrochemical, and process levels. We highlight mismatches in metal availability, electrode interactions, and medium origins. We propose reframing the catholyte as a key design parameter and introduce a decision-making framework for tailored formulation. This strategy has the potential to improve MES performance and serve as model for optimizing media in broader biotechnological applications.