MRI as a method for the quantitative analysis of live electroactive biofilms

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Overall aim of this project is the further advancement of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a technique to study the spatial and temporal distribution of biomass, chemical species and effective diffusion coefficients in electroactive biofilms, with a particular focus on porous 3D electrodes. The main challenge under these conditions will be to obtain sufficient sensitivity and resolution inside an electrically conductive porous electrode structure. We hypothesize that by means of an optimized experimental setup and methodology the sensitivity of MRI technology can be further improved. Thus, MRI can be used as a quantitative and sensitive method to study the distribution of biomass, pH and chemical species (e.g. glucose, lactate) as well as effective diffusion coefficients also in porous biofilm electrodes. In particular, we want to elucidate how resolution and sensitivity can be improved by application of chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) to quantify pH and relevant chemical species accumulating inside a living biofilm/electrode structure. This way, MRI can serve as a unique tool to study metabolic processes and mechanisms inside complex biofilm structures, enabling a deeper understanding of the mechanisms and processes currently limiting the productivity of such electrodes.