Clostridium ljungdahlii as a biocatalyst in microbial electrosynthesis – Effect of culture conditions on product formation

Microbial electrosynthesis enables the production of value-added chemicals from CO2 and electrons provided by an electrode. Clostridium ljungdahlii is electroactive acetogen that potentially could be used in microbial systems. However, optimal operational parameters for using C. are not known. Here, we explored effects yeast extract, pH, cathode potential. A low initial pH increased rate acetate H2 serum bottle cultures. When cultivated bioelectrochemical systems, coulombic efficiency (i.e. close to 100 %) was observed at a potential between −0.8 V −1.0 V, while highest productivity reached V. Addition extract medium needed ensure reproducible results. Using cyclic voltammetry, detected hydrogen-mediated extracellular electron transfer during growth on system. These results show should chosen carefully maximise electrosynthesis.