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Mineral triboelectricity as an electron source for microbial autotrophy: implications for carbon and nitrogen cycling in energy-limited environments.
Environmental research · · Journal Article
Wang, Lai + more
Abstract ↗AI summary
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In an α-Fe2O3–Rhodopseudomonas palustris biohybrid, mineral triboelectrification provides extracellular electrons that support dark autotrophic growth and lycopene biosynthesis.
- Why it matters: It remains unclear whether electrons generated from mineral contact can replace conventional chemical donors to power microbial carbon and nitrogen metabolism in energy-limited settings.
- What they did: The study used mechanically powered triboelectrification to generate interfacial charge, then routed triboelectric electrons through cell-envelope redox conduits to drive nitrate respiration and inorganic carbon fixation.
- The result: The electron supply coupled carbon fixation to nitrate respiration, sustaining autotrophic growth and lycopene production in the dark, and showing adaptability across mechanical inputs, electroactive microbes, and terminal electron acceptors.
The findingWhy it mattersWhat they didThe result
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