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Review
. 2023 Dec;14(1):246-289.
doi: 10.1080/21655979.2023.2236842.

Sustainable circular biorefinery approach for novel building blocks and bioenergy production from algae using microbial fuel cell

Kevin Tian Xiang Tong  1 , Inn Shi Tan  1 , Henry Chee Yew Foo  1 , Pau Loke Show  2   3   4   5 , Man Kee Lam  6   7 , Mee Kee Wong  8
Affiliations
Review

Sustainable circular biorefinery approach for novel building blocks and bioenergy production from algae using microbial fuel cell

Kevin Tian Xiang Tong et al. Bioengineered. 2023 Dec.

Abstract

The imminent need for transition to a circular biorefinery using microbial fuel cells (MFC), based on the valorization of renewable resources, will ameliorate the carbon footprint induced by industrialization. MFC catalyzed by bioelectrochemical process drew significant attention initially for its exceptional potential for integrated production of biochemicals and bioenergy. Nonetheless, the associated costly bioproduct production and slow microbial kinetics have constrained its commercialization. This review encompasses the potential and development of macroalgal biomass as a substrate in the MFC system for L-lactic acid (L-LA) and bioelectricity generation. Besides, an insight into the state-of-the-art technological advancement in the MFC system is also deliberated in detail. Investigations in recent years have shown that MFC developed with different anolyte enhances power density from several µW/m2 up to 8160 mW/m2. Further, this review provides a plausible picture of macroalgal-based L-LA and bioelectricity circular biorefinery in the MFC system for future research directions.

Keywords: 3D printing; L-lactic acid; bioelectricity; electrofermentation; microfluidic.

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Conflict of interest statement

In accordance with Taylor & Francis policy and ethical obligation as a researcher, we are reporting that Pau Loke Show is one of the editors of Bioengineered. We have disclosed those interests fully to Taylor & Francis, and we have in place an approved plan for managing any potential conflicts arising from the publication of this manuscript.

Figures

None
Graphical abstract
Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Schematic representation of macroalgal bioelectricity and bioplastics from cradle-to-gate perspectives for durable applications.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Major monosaccharides present in the hydrolysates of red, brown, and green macroalgae.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Microbial fuel cells (MFC) for bioelectricity production from a variety of biomass and waste sources.
Figure 4.
Figure 4.
World production of synthetic plastics and bioplastics from 2011 to 2020. Adjusted from [40].
Figure 5.
Figure 5.
Simplified illustration of the cellular mechanisms involved in lactic acid production under homolactic fermentation and self-inhibition in the cytoplasm of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus in anaerobic wort fermentation.
Figure 6.
Figure 6.
Mechanism of glucose glycolysis for lactic acid formation by lactic acid bacteria.
Figure 7.
Figure 7.
Basic components of microbial fuel cells and the materials used for structure [36].
Figure 8.
Figure 8.
(a) Single-chamber air-cathode microbial fuel cell reactor [93], (b) single-chamber membraneless microbial fuel cells operating on the open-air cathode [92], and (c) single-chamber microbial fuel cells operating on stainless steel mesh painted by acrylic-based graphite [94].
Figure 9.
Figure 9.
Diverse configurations for membrane-based microbial fuel cells. (a) Cuboid double-chamber MFC, (b) cylindrical double-chamber MFC. (c) spherical double-chamber MFC, (d) flat-plate double-chamber MFC, and (E) H-shape double-chamber MFC. In all designs, the “A” and “C” indicate anode and cathode, respectively [98].
Figure 10.
Figure 10.
Schematic principle of a microbial fuel cell with lactic acid bacteria as biocatalyst for co-production of L-lactic acid and bioelectricity [126].
Figure 11.
Figure 11.
Schematic design of microchannel for membrane-less microfluidic microbial fuel cell: (a) top view and (b) cross-sectional view [98].
Figure 12.
Figure 12.
3D printable components of a microbial fuel cell [161].
Figure 13.
Figure 13.
Schematic illustration and fabrication process for the origami array-type µMFC. (a) Schematic representation with dimension (mm), (b), (c) folded structure in 3D view, and (d) overview of origami array-type µMFC realization on 3D printed platform [178].
Figure 14.
Figure 14.
Schematic diagram of circular biorefinery and bioeconomy of microfluidic microbial fuel cell for bioelectricity and bioplastics production.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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