Influence of artificial mediators on yeast-based fuel cell performance

Soluble artificial mediators are often applied to enhance the electron transfer from living cells to an anode in microbial fuel cells. Recently, we have demonstrated that the Candida melibiosica 2491 yeast strain possesses electrogenic properties and can be used as a biocatalyst in yeast-based fuel cells even in the absence of artificial mediators. To enhance the generated electrical power, the potential application of several organic compounds as mediators in a C. melibiosica-based fuel cell was examined in this study. The choice of compounds was based upon observed cyclic voltammetry reversible electrochemical behavior at potentials appropriate for mediated electron transfer. Among the studied mediators, methylene blue, methyl orange, methyl red and neutral red significantly increased the current and power outputs in comparison with those obtained with a mediatorless yeast-based fuel cell. (c) 2011, The Society for Biotechnology, Japan. All rights reserved.