Interdigitated microelectrode arrays (IDAs) are comprised of ordered micron-scale wide electrodes separated by equal gaps, patterned onto nonconductive surfaces such as glass.  Previously, we reported on our investigation of the mechanism of extracellular electron transport (ET) through thick, full-grown biofilms of Geobacter sulfurreducens (DL1) anodically grown on IDAs such that the biofilm completely spans the electrodes and gaps.  Here, we report use of IDAs to observe the redox gradient occurring across such biofilms when catalyzing anode oxidation of acetate.  This redox gradient is expected to occur when extracellular ET results from electron hopping along a network of biofilm immobilized E.T. mediators.  The extracellular ET capability of full-grown biofilm without acetate was also examined.  We also report here use of IDAs to investigate extracellular ET through very thin, early growth biofilms.  Electrical conductivity between the electrodes was observed despite the presence of a sparse, non-contiguous biofilm.  Imaging of the IDAs by SEM and fluorescence was also performed.

Microelectrode studies of extracellular electron transport through <i>Geobacter sulfurreducens</i> biofilms

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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Microelectrode studies of extracellular electron transport through Geobacter sulfurreducens biofilms