MICROBES, METHODS, AND DEVICES FOR REDOX-IMBALANCED METABOLISM

摘要

The invention generally relates to methods, devices, and microbes involved in performing redox imbalanced fermentations. In one aspect, the invention provides a device that generally includes an electrode and at least one microbe in electron communication with the electrode. The microbe generally can exhibit increased activity of at least one enzyme involved in converting a substrate to a redox imbalanced product. In another aspect, the invention provides a method for performing redox imbalanced fermentation. Generally, the method includes providing a substrate to a microbe under conditions effective for the microbe to metabolize the substrate to a redox imbalanced product. At least one microbe may be in contact with an electrode. In some cases, metabolic conversion of the substrate to the redox imbalanced product can include transferring electrons between the electrode and the microbe. In other cases, metabolic conversion of the substrate to the redox imbalanced product exhibits a carbon flux from organic substrate to organic product of at least 80%. In another aspect, the invention provides a genetically modified Shewanella oneidensis microbe.