Electroheterotrophs

Electroheterotrophs are a group of microorganisms that can use electricity as an energy source and organic compounds as a carbon source. These organisms are capable of performing extracellular electron transfer, a process where they can donate or accept electrons to or from external sources. This allows them to participate in electrochemical reactions and gain energy from electrical currents.

The ability of electroheterotrophs to utilize electricity has garnered significant interest for various biotechnological applications. They can be employed in microbial fuel cells to generate electricity from organic waste. Additionally, they can be used in bioremediation to degrade pollutants by facilitating electron transfer in contaminated environments. Research is also exploring their potential in biosensors for detecting specific analytes.

While the term electroheterotroph specifically refers to organisms using both electricity and organic carbon, it is part of a broader category of electroactive microorganisms. These organisms play crucial roles in natural biogeochemical cycles and are increasingly being harnessed for sustainable technologies. Further research aims to understand the complex mechanisms underlying their electron transfer capabilities and to optimize their performance in engineered systems.