Microbial fuel cells as a sustainable platform technology for bioenergy, biosensing, environmental monitoring, and other low power device applications

Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) technology is a promising sustainable energy alternative to combat issues pertaining to non-renewable energy consumption, climate change, and environmental pollution. MFC technology employs anaerobic microorganisms, which convert biodegradable substances into simpler substances and produce bioelectricity. MFCs show promise for low-cost energy yielding wastewater treatment. Recent research efforts have shown that the technological know-how of MFC technology has evolved beyond the primary applications of wastewater treatment and energy generation. Hence, research attention has shifted towards other specific value-added applications of MFCs such as small implantable health devices, robotics, and environmental quality monitoring sensors, etc. This article concisely addresses the potential applications of MFC technology past power production and wastewater treatment for biofuels such as biogas, and hydrogen production, and in the fields of medical implantable devices, robotics, and as biosensors for heavy metals and detection of toxic chemicals among others.