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Bioelectrosynthesis pp 1–14Cite as

Electrification of Biotechnology: Status quo

Part of the Advances in Biochemical Engineering/Biotechnology book series (ABE,volume 167)

Abstract

Interfacing microbial, enzymatic, and electrochemical transformations has led to the new field of electrobiotechnology. Among the plethora of applications (including electric energy generation via pollutant removal), the synthesis of chemicals and energy carriers (e.g. H2) has sparked great interest. The linked transformation of chemical and electric energy may allow the joint utilization of renewable feedstock and sustainable electricity to gain commodities and fuels. The overall field is now referred to as bioelectrosynthesis and is a focus of this book. Starting with the rationale for using bioelectrosynthesis in a bioeconomy, this chapter provides a brief introduction to the field of electrobiotechnology. Subsequently, the chapter discusses the framework for bioelectrosynthesis, which is based on enzymes as well as microorganisms, and provides a definition of bioelectrosynthesis. The chapter concludes with a short overview on the history of the field.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords

  • Bioelectrotechnology
  • Electroenzymatic synthesis
  • Electrobiotechnology
  • Microbial electrosynthesis
  • Microbial fuel cells

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Acknowledgements

We are obliged to all authors and referees that contributed to this book, especially the members of our working groups who shouldered the load.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Environmental Microbiology, Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig, Germany

    Falk Harnisch

  2. DECHEMA-Forschungsinstitut, Industrial Biotechnology, Frankfurt am Main, Germany

    Dirk Holtmann

Authors
  1. Falk Harnisch
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  2. Dirk Holtmann
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Corresponding authors

Correspondence to Falk Harnisch or Dirk Holtmann .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Environmental Microbiology, Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research GmbH - UFZ, Leipzig, Germany

    Falk Harnisch

  2. Industrial Biotechnology, DECHEMA-Forschungsinstitut, Frankfurt am Main, Germany

    Dirk Holtmann

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Harnisch, F., Holtmann, D. (2017). Electrification of Biotechnology: Status quo. In: Harnisch, F., Holtmann, D. (eds) Bioelectrosynthesis. Advances in Biochemical Engineering/Biotechnology, vol 167. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/10_2017_41

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