Development of microbial fuel cells for bioconversion of glycerol

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The primary objective of this NSERC-funded research program is the continued development of microbial fuel cell (MFC) technology for waste treatment and power generation, using glycerol as the platform fuel. Glycerol is a high-volume co-product of biodiesel production; however, the supply of glycerol for existing markets is well-established, so increases in biodiesel production are leading to the devaluation of glycerol as a commodity. Novel glycerol conversion technologies could therefore have a significant economic impact. Previous work in this program has shown that glycerol can be used as a fuel in MFCs by several different bacterial cultures. The cultures identified are also tolerant to the contaminants in crude glycerol, making them excellent candidates for process development. This proposal goes beyond the completed proof-of-concept work, with research goals aiming to explain the biochemical phenomena allowing fuel cell operation. Projects are proposed investigating mechanisms of external electron transfer; shifts in metabolite profiles in the MFCs; and community interactions in mixed biocatalyst cultures. These are also fundamental questions that are of interest, but poorly understood, in MFC research.