Pub Date : 2025-12-13DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2025.109197
Ekaterina V. Zolotukhina , Konstantin V. Gor'kov , Maria V. Dmitrieva , Maria G. Levchenko , Yuliya E. Silina
Herein, the electrochemical responses of Saccharomyces cerevisiae cultivated in YPD medium were tested in amperometric mode using microanalytical screen-printed electrodes modified with potassium ferricyanide and 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione as mediators. The electrochemical signals obtained correlated well with the yeast growth curve.
Electrochemical analysis of the cell-free supernatants (CFSs), obtained after removing S. cerevisiae cells, indicated that the mediator response, whether using potassium ferricyanide or phenanthroline-5,6-dione, depends more on the composition of the CFSs than on the intrinsic electroactivity of the cells.
FT-IR and GC–MS investigations confirmed the formation of several electroactive compounds in the CFSs, such as hydroquinones and organohydrazines. Model electrochemical tests using ferricyanide as redox mediator indicated that quinones and organohydrazines are the most electroactive components formed during microbial activity.
These results suggest that the electrochemical response in mediated bioanodes containing living cells is primarily driven by interactions between the mediator and electroactive metabolic products, rather than by direct interactions between the mediator and the cells.
{"title":"On the nature of the electrochemical response in mediated bioanodes with yeast cells","authors":"Ekaterina V. Zolotukhina , Konstantin V. Gor'kov , Maria V. Dmitrieva , Maria G. Levchenko , Yuliya E. Silina","doi":"10.1016/j.bioelechem.2025.109197","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bioelechem.2025.109197","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Herein, the electrochemical responses of <em>Saccharomyces cerevisiae</em> cultivated in YPD medium were tested in amperometric mode using microanalytical screen-printed electrodes modified with potassium ferricyanide and 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione as mediators. The electrochemical signals obtained correlated well with the yeast growth curve.</div><div>Electrochemical analysis of the cell-free supernatants (CFSs), obtained after removing <em>S. cerevisiae</em> cells, indicated that the mediator response, whether using potassium ferricyanide or phenanthroline-5,6-dione, depends more on the composition of the CFSs than on the intrinsic electroactivity of the cells.</div><div>FT-IR and GC–MS investigations confirmed the formation of several electroactive compounds in the CFSs, such as hydroquinones and organohydrazines. Model electrochemical tests using ferricyanide as redox mediator indicated that quinones and organohydrazines are the most electroactive components formed during microbial activity.</div><div>These results suggest that the electrochemical response in mediated bioanodes containing living cells is primarily driven by interactions between the mediator and electroactive metabolic products, rather than by direct interactions between the mediator and the cells.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":252,"journal":{"name":"Bioelectrochemistry","volume":"169 ","pages":"Article 109197"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145779664","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-11DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2025.109200
Julia Baumgartner , Peter Bigler , Robert Axelrod , Dionys Breu , Tobias Hofmann , Byron Perez , Sing Teng Chua , Michael H.-P. Studer , Fengzheng Gao , Alexander Mathys
Cell electropermeabilisation in pulsed electric field (PEF) treatments depends on complex interactions among chamber geometry, treatment parameters, biological and environmental conditions. Traditional PEF optimisation methods, such as numerical simulations or flow cytometry (FCM), typically address only isolated aspects of these interactions. Here, we present an experimental-computational platform that combines fluorescence imaging of hydrogel-immobilised Chlamydomonas reinhardtii with electric field simulations. Thereby, local treatment intensity in complex chamber geometries can be assessed, and experimental workload is reduced by probing multiple field strengths in a single treatment. Cells embedded in a transparent hydrogel matrix were exposed to PEF using a custom grid electrode that creates spatial field gradients. After staining with Sytox Green, a marker of membrane damage, fluorescence microscopy images of the hydrogel were overlaid with simulated electric field maps. Quantitative image analysis enabled an estimation of the electropermeabilisation threshold within the semi-solid matrix and could be validated against conventional FCM in cell suspensions. During long-pulse (35 μs) exposures, some fluorescence patterns not captured by simulations highlighted the need for further investigation. Nevertheless, the platform provides a consistent, image-based method for evaluating local PEF treatment intensity and inhomogeneity, adaptable to diverse PEF chamber designs and biological systems.
{"title":"Fluorescence imaging of hydrogel-immobilised microalgae combined with simulations as a novel platform to study electropermeabilisation","authors":"Julia Baumgartner , Peter Bigler , Robert Axelrod , Dionys Breu , Tobias Hofmann , Byron Perez , Sing Teng Chua , Michael H.-P. Studer , Fengzheng Gao , Alexander Mathys","doi":"10.1016/j.bioelechem.2025.109200","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bioelechem.2025.109200","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cell electropermeabilisation in pulsed electric field (PEF) treatments depends on complex interactions among chamber geometry, treatment parameters, biological and environmental conditions. Traditional PEF optimisation methods, such as numerical simulations or flow cytometry (FCM), typically address only isolated aspects of these interactions. Here, we present an experimental-computational platform that combines fluorescence imaging of hydrogel-immobilised <em>Chlamydomonas reinhardtii</em> with electric field simulations. Thereby, local treatment intensity in complex chamber geometries can be assessed, and experimental workload is reduced by probing multiple field strengths in a single treatment. Cells embedded in a transparent hydrogel matrix were exposed to PEF using a custom grid electrode that creates spatial field gradients. After staining with Sytox Green, a marker of membrane damage, fluorescence microscopy images of the hydrogel were overlaid with simulated electric field maps. Quantitative image analysis enabled an estimation of the electropermeabilisation threshold within the semi-solid matrix and could be validated against conventional FCM in cell suspensions. During long-pulse (35 μs) exposures, some fluorescence patterns not captured by simulations highlighted the need for further investigation. Nevertheless, the platform provides a consistent, image-based method for evaluating local PEF treatment intensity and inhomogeneity, adaptable to diverse PEF chamber designs and biological systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":252,"journal":{"name":"Bioelectrochemistry","volume":"169 ","pages":"Article 109200"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145786522","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-10DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2025.109198
Yuxia Zhang , Yili Zhang , Yan Zheng , Hongfen Deng , Chen Li , Zhi Li , Cuixing Xu , Zhaohui Hou , Gangyong Li
Hydrogen energy and metal-air batteries, particularly zinc-air batteries (ZABs), have garnered significant interest as clean energy vectors and energy storage devices, respectively. However, their efficiency is constrained by the high overpotential and sluggish kinetics associated with the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). In this study, we propose a green and efficient bioelectrocatalytic cascade system designed to overcome the energy efficiency limitations of conventional OER. The system employs nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes (N-CNTs) as both supporting material and electrocatalyst for immobilizing glucose oxidase (GOx) and for the in situ catalytic decomposition of H2O2 produced during the GOx-catalyzed oxidation of glucose. This approach not only significantly reduces the overpotentials required for water splitting and ZAB charging but also facilitates the co-production of high-value gluconic acid. Electrochemical evaluations demonstrate that the bioelectrocatalytic hydrogen evolution system achieves a current density of 10 mA cm−2 at just 1.60 V. Furthermore, ZABs incorporating this system exhibit high power density and exceptional cycling stability. These findings underscore the potential of designing efficient and stable bifunctional bioelectrochemical catalysts as an energy-saving and high-efficiency strategy for hydrogen production and biomass valorization.
氢能电池和金属空气电池，特别是锌空气电池（ZABs）分别作为清洁能源载体和储能设备获得了极大的兴趣。然而，它们的效率受到与析氧反应（OER）相关的高过电位和缓慢动力学的限制。在这项研究中，我们提出了一种绿色高效的生物电催化级联系统，旨在克服传统OER的能源效率限制。该系统采用氮掺杂碳纳米管（N-CNTs）作为固定化葡萄糖氧化酶（GOx）和原位催化分解葡萄糖氧化过程中产生的H2O2的载体材料和电催化剂。该方法不仅显著降低了水裂解和ZAB充电所需的过电位，而且有利于协同生产高价值葡萄糖酸。电化学评价表明，生物电催化析氢系统在1.60 V下电流密度达到10 mA cm−2。此外，采用该系统的ZABs具有高功率密度和卓越的循环稳定性。这些发现强调了设计高效和稳定的双功能生物电化学催化剂作为节能和高效的制氢和生物质增值策略的潜力。
{"title":"A bioelectrocatalytic glucose oxidation cascade for energy-efficient electrocatalysis applications","authors":"Yuxia Zhang , Yili Zhang , Yan Zheng , Hongfen Deng , Chen Li , Zhi Li , Cuixing Xu , Zhaohui Hou , Gangyong Li","doi":"10.1016/j.bioelechem.2025.109198","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bioelechem.2025.109198","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Hydrogen energy and metal-air batteries, particularly zinc-air batteries (ZABs), have garnered significant interest as clean energy vectors and energy storage devices, respectively. However, their efficiency is constrained by the high overpotential and sluggish kinetics associated with the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). In this study, we propose a green and efficient bioelectrocatalytic cascade system designed to overcome the energy efficiency limitations of conventional OER. The system employs nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes (N-CNTs) as both supporting material and electrocatalyst for immobilizing glucose oxidase (GOx) and for the in situ catalytic decomposition of H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> produced during the GOx-catalyzed oxidation of glucose. This approach not only significantly reduces the overpotentials required for water splitting and ZAB charging but also facilitates the co-production of high-value gluconic acid. Electrochemical evaluations demonstrate that the bioelectrocatalytic hydrogen evolution system achieves a current density of 10 mA cm<sup>−2</sup> at just 1.60 V. Furthermore, ZABs incorporating this system exhibit high power density and exceptional cycling stability. These findings underscore the potential of designing efficient and stable bifunctional bioelectrochemical catalysts as an energy-saving and high-efficiency strategy for hydrogen production and biomass valorization.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":252,"journal":{"name":"Bioelectrochemistry","volume":"169 ","pages":"Article 109198"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145733319","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-09DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2025.109195
Gema Cárdenas-Flores , Erika Bustos-Bustos , Efigenia Montalvo-González , Marcelo Victorio-De los Santos , Victor M. Zamora-Gasga , Martina A. Chacón-López , Ulises M. López-García
Electropriming, the exposure of seeds to direct current electric fields (DCEF) prior to germination, is emerging as a sustainable physical priming strategy to enhance seed vigor and crop performance. In this study, we demonstrated that electropriming markedly accelerated tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) seed germination and induced early physiological adjustments. Treated seeds germinated faster, absorbed water more efficiently, and showed distinct morphological changes compared with non-primed controls. Electropriming also modulated membrane integrity, as evidenced by increased electrolyte leakage, and influenced redox metabolism, indicated by enhanced production of reactive species and activation of antioxidant enzymes. Together, these responses suggest that direct-current electropriming promotes a controlled oxidative burst that primes seeds for faster and more robust germination. Our findings highlight electropriming as a promising chemical-free approach to improve seed vigor, offering new opportunities for sustainable agriculture.
{"title":"Electropriming-mediated modulation of seed germination: Effects on morphology, water uptake, and oxidative status","authors":"Gema Cárdenas-Flores , Erika Bustos-Bustos , Efigenia Montalvo-González , Marcelo Victorio-De los Santos , Victor M. Zamora-Gasga , Martina A. Chacón-López , Ulises M. López-García","doi":"10.1016/j.bioelechem.2025.109195","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bioelechem.2025.109195","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Electropriming, the exposure of seeds to direct current electric fields (DCEF) prior to germination, is emerging as a sustainable physical priming strategy to enhance seed vigor and crop performance. In this study, we demonstrated that electropriming markedly accelerated tomato (<em>Solanum lycopersicum</em>) seed germination and induced early physiological adjustments. Treated seeds germinated faster, absorbed water more efficiently, and showed distinct morphological changes compared with non-primed controls. Electropriming also modulated membrane integrity, as evidenced by increased electrolyte leakage, and influenced redox metabolism, indicated by enhanced production of reactive species and activation of antioxidant enzymes. Together, these responses suggest that direct-current electropriming promotes a controlled oxidative burst that primes seeds for faster and more robust germination. Our findings highlight electropriming as a promising chemical-free approach to improve seed vigor, offering new opportunities for sustainable agriculture.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":252,"journal":{"name":"Bioelectrochemistry","volume":"169 ","pages":"Article 109195"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145733320","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Norepinephrine (NEP) or noradrenaline is a key catecholamine that functions both as a neurotransmitter and hormone, playing a pivotal role in mood regulation, cardiovascular function, and the stress response. Reliable and sensitive detection of NEP is crucial for clinical diagnosis and health monitoring. Herein, we describe a novel electrochemical sensor that enables efficient and affordable detection of NEP based on Sillenite-type multiferroic bismuth ferrite integrated onto rhenium diselenide nanosheets (Bi12.5Fe0.5O19.5@ReSe2) nanohybrid. The ReSe2 nanosheets were synthesized by the hot injection method, and the Bi12.5Fe0.5O19.5@ReSe2 nanohybrid was synthesized using a hydrothermal route and uniformly deposited on the GCE via drop-casting. Comprehensive structural and morphological characterizations were conducted using advanced spectroscopic techniques. The electrochemical characteristics of the sensor were inspected via voltammetry and impedance analysis. The synergistic interaction within the nanocomposite enhances electrochemical performance. The sensor exhibited a linear detection response to NEP in the 0.5–993 μM range, with a detection limit of 0.112 μM and a sensitivity of 0.154 μA μM−1 cm−2. It showed excellent precision, stability, and strong resistance to interference from common biomolecules. Its successful application to NEP detection in human fluids (serum and urine) with satisfactory recovery confirms its promise for use in clinical diagnostics and real-time physiological monitoring.
{"title":"Sillenite-type multiferroic Bi12.5Fe0.5O19.5 decorated ReSe2 as an electrochemical platform for sensitive and selective detection of stress hormones in human biological fluids","authors":"Rajalakshmi Sakthivel , Hsuan-I Chen , Akash Ashokrao Jagtap , Sayee Kannan Ramaraj , Yu-Chien Lin , Udesh Dhawan , Ting-Yu Liu , Ren-Jei Chung","doi":"10.1016/j.bioelechem.2025.109194","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bioelechem.2025.109194","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Norepinephrine (NEP) or noradrenaline is a key catecholamine that functions both as a neurotransmitter and hormone, playing a pivotal role in mood regulation, cardiovascular function, and the stress response. Reliable and sensitive detection of NEP is crucial for clinical diagnosis and health monitoring. Herein, we describe a novel electrochemical sensor that enables efficient and affordable detection of NEP based on Sillenite-type multiferroic bismuth ferrite integrated onto rhenium diselenide nanosheets (Bi<sub>12.5</sub>Fe<sub>0.5</sub>O<sub>19.5</sub>@ReSe<sub>2</sub>) nanohybrid. The ReSe<sub>2</sub> nanosheets were synthesized by the hot injection method, and the Bi<sub>12.5</sub>Fe<sub>0.5</sub>O<sub>19.5</sub>@ReSe<sub>2</sub> nanohybrid was synthesized using a hydrothermal route and uniformly deposited on the GCE via drop-casting. Comprehensive structural and morphological characterizations were conducted using advanced spectroscopic techniques. The electrochemical characteristics of the sensor were inspected via voltammetry and impedance analysis. The synergistic interaction within the nanocomposite enhances electrochemical performance. The sensor exhibited a linear detection response to NEP in the 0.5–993 μM range, with a detection limit of 0.112 μM and a sensitivity of 0.154 μA μM<sup>−1</sup> cm<sup>−2</sup>. It showed excellent precision, stability, and strong resistance to interference from common biomolecules. Its successful application to NEP detection in human fluids (serum and urine) with satisfactory recovery confirms its promise for use in clinical diagnostics and real-time physiological monitoring.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":252,"journal":{"name":"Bioelectrochemistry","volume":"169 ","pages":"Article 109194"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145733321","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-02DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2025.109193
Gulam Rabbani , Akbar Mohammad , Mohammad Ehtisham Khan , Waleed Zakri , Abrar Ahmad , Glowi Alasiri , Wahid Ali , Syed Kashif Ali , Nazim Hasan , Abdulrahman Khamaj , Jintae Lee
In the modern era, Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most common causes of dementia, with its prevalence increasing over time. Collecting brain tissues for research related to neurodegenerative diseases is challenging due to the need for highly trained neurosurgeons to perform surgery and extract brain tissue. Access to human brain tissue is limited, as sampling faces technical, ethical and cost obstacles. Therefore, developing a noninvasive method to detect biomarkers for an accurate diagnosis of AD is crucial. In this study, we selected lysozyme (LYZ) as a model analyte to quantify in saliva because LYZ levels are upregulated in AD patients. Nafion-anchored carbon nanotubes (Nafion/CNTs) nanocomposite was successfully synthesized and deposited on the polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate and utilized in the fabrication of FET-based immunosensor, with anti-LYZ covalently immobilized. Under the optimized conditions, the immunosensor displayed a linear correlation in the range of 0.05 to 100 μg/mL with a LOD of 0.05 μg/mL. The immunosensor exhibited high specificity against interfering molecules and was effectively employed in detecting LYZ in human saliva sample, yielding satisfactory recoveries. This noninvasive method for quantifying LYZ as AD biomarker offers a straightforward and sensitive approach to detection, suggesting significant potential applications in clinical diagnostics.
{"title":"A flexible carbon nanotube field-effect transistor-based immunosensor for the selective and sensitive detection of salivary lysozyme: A biomarker of Alzheimer's disease","authors":"Gulam Rabbani , Akbar Mohammad , Mohammad Ehtisham Khan , Waleed Zakri , Abrar Ahmad , Glowi Alasiri , Wahid Ali , Syed Kashif Ali , Nazim Hasan , Abdulrahman Khamaj , Jintae Lee","doi":"10.1016/j.bioelechem.2025.109193","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bioelechem.2025.109193","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In the modern era, Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most common causes of dementia, with its prevalence increasing over time. Collecting brain tissues for research related to neurodegenerative diseases is challenging due to the need for highly trained neurosurgeons to perform surgery and extract brain tissue. Access to human brain tissue is limited, as sampling faces technical, ethical and cost obstacles. Therefore, developing a noninvasive method to detect biomarkers for an accurate diagnosis of AD is crucial. In this study, we selected lysozyme (LYZ) as a model analyte to quantify in saliva because LYZ levels are upregulated in AD patients. Nafion-anchored carbon nanotubes (Nafion/CNTs) nanocomposite was successfully synthesized and deposited on the polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate and utilized in the fabrication of FET-based immunosensor, with anti-LYZ covalently immobilized. Under the optimized conditions, the immunosensor displayed a linear correlation in the range of 0.05 to 100 μg/mL with a LOD of 0.05 μg/mL. The immunosensor exhibited high specificity against interfering molecules and was effectively employed in detecting LYZ in human saliva sample, yielding satisfactory recoveries. This noninvasive method for quantifying LYZ as AD biomarker offers a straightforward and sensitive approach to detection, suggesting significant potential applications in clinical diagnostics.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":252,"journal":{"name":"Bioelectrochemistry","volume":"169 ","pages":"Article 109193"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145712939","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The formation of Giant Unilamellar Vesicles (GUVs) is a critical technology with applications in drug delivery and the study of cellular membranes. This work presents optimized electrode designs and parameters for the electroformation of GUVs. Conventional indium tin oxide (ITO) electrodes are fragile and have limited lifespans. Meanwhile, stainless steel offers mechanical robustness, reusability, and chemical stability due to its chromium oxide layer, particularly in aqueous buffers at near-neutral pH. Here, stainless steel electrodes with different geometries were tested as a cost-effective alternative. The influence of electrode shape, alternating current (AC) frequency, and applied voltage on vesicle yield and size was systematically investigated. Four chamber configurations were evaluated and optimized for electrical resistance. Broad stainless steel mesh 30 electrodes produced the highest vesicle yield, associated with larger surface area and favorable voltage–frequency combinations. Results indicate that electrode shape and electroformation parameters significantly affect GUV characteristics. Stainless steel electrodes can replace ITO electrodes, enabling robust and scalable GUV production. This approach supports applications in biophysics, drug delivery, and biosensor development while reducing material costs and improving operational durability.
{"title":"Electroformation of Giant Unilamellar vesicles: Novel electrode design and parameters for enhanced GUVs production","authors":"Davide Romanini , Miriam Di Martino , Lucia Sessa , Simona Concilio , Stefano Piotto","doi":"10.1016/j.bioelechem.2025.109192","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bioelechem.2025.109192","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The formation of Giant Unilamellar Vesicles (GUVs) is a critical technology with applications in drug delivery and the study of cellular membranes. This work presents optimized electrode designs and parameters for the electroformation of GUVs. Conventional indium tin oxide (ITO) electrodes are fragile and have limited lifespans. Meanwhile, stainless steel offers mechanical robustness, reusability, and chemical stability due to its chromium oxide layer, particularly in aqueous buffers at near-neutral pH. Here, stainless steel electrodes with different geometries were tested as a cost-effective alternative. The influence of electrode shape, alternating current (AC) frequency, and applied voltage on vesicle yield and size was systematically investigated. Four chamber configurations were evaluated and optimized for electrical resistance. Broad stainless steel mesh 30 electrodes produced the highest vesicle yield, associated with larger surface area and favorable voltage–frequency combinations. Results indicate that electrode shape and electroformation parameters significantly affect GUV characteristics. Stainless steel electrodes can replace ITO electrodes, enabling robust and scalable GUV production. This approach supports applications in biophysics, drug delivery, and biosensor development while reducing material costs and improving operational durability.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":252,"journal":{"name":"Bioelectrochemistry","volume":"169 ","pages":"Article 109192"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2025-11-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145666537","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-29DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2025.109182
Nurfarhana Nabila Mohd Noor, Kyunghoi Kim
Sediment resistivity limits the performance of sediment microbial fuel cells (SMFCs) by hindering mass electron transfer in the anodic region. This microcosm study evaluates the effect of bamboo biochar as a conductive additive at different dosages: SMFC-0 (0%), SMFC-0.1 (0.02%), SMFC-1 (0.2%), and SMFC-10 (2%). The study examines the current density, polarization behavior, redox activity, elemental composition, textural properties, anodic biofilm morphology and nutrient removal. The results show that 2% biochar (SMFC-10) increase sediment conductivity by 1.2-fold and reduces ohmic loss for mass electron transfer, achieving the highest power density (26.01 mW/m2) and current output (171 mA/m2). Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) analysis reveals dense anodic biofilm formation in SMFC-10, supporting higher bioelectricity generation. SMFC-10 improves pollutant removal and mitigates pollutant release into the overlying water, reducing ammonia‑nitrogen (NH3−N) from 5 to 1 mg/L and chemical oxygen demand (COD) from 163 to 33 mg/L. High specific BET surface area (430.15 m2/g), small pore size (1.62 nm) and high carbon content (79.46%) of biochar contribute to improve performance and long-term stability (165 days) without nutrient replenishment. These findings demonstrate that bamboo biochar is a promising sediment additive to enhance SMFC power generation and water quality.
{"title":"Minimal bamboo biochar dosing as sediment additive in sediment microbial fuel cells for bioelectricity production and benthic nutrient removal","authors":"Nurfarhana Nabila Mohd Noor, Kyunghoi Kim","doi":"10.1016/j.bioelechem.2025.109182","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bioelechem.2025.109182","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Sediment resistivity limits the performance of sediment microbial fuel cells (SMFCs) by hindering mass electron transfer in the anodic region. This microcosm study evaluates the effect of bamboo biochar as a conductive additive at different dosages: SMFC-0 (0%), SMFC-0.1 (0.02%), SMFC-1 (0.2%), and SMFC-10 (2%). The study examines the current density, polarization behavior, redox activity, elemental composition, textural properties, anodic biofilm morphology and nutrient removal. The results show that 2% biochar (SMFC-10) increase sediment conductivity by 1.2-fold and reduces ohmic loss for mass electron transfer, achieving the highest power density (26.01 mW/m<sup>2</sup>) and current output (171 mA/m<sup>2</sup>). Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) analysis reveals dense anodic biofilm formation in SMFC-10, supporting higher bioelectricity generation. SMFC-10 improves pollutant removal and mitigates pollutant release into the overlying water, reducing ammonia‑nitrogen (NH<sub>3</sub>−N) from 5 to 1 mg/L and chemical oxygen demand (COD) from 163 to 33 mg/L. High specific BET surface area (430.15 m<sup>2</sup>/g), small pore size (1.62 nm) and high carbon content (79.46%) of biochar contribute to improve performance and long-term stability (165 days) without nutrient replenishment. These findings demonstrate that bamboo biochar is a promising sediment additive to enhance SMFC power generation and water quality.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":252,"journal":{"name":"Bioelectrochemistry","volume":"169 ","pages":"Article 109182"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2025-11-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145681734","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-25DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2025.109181
Laidy M. Alvero-González , D. Aurora Perini , M. Lidón López , Antonio Alcaraz , María Queralt-Martín
Most β-barrel channels exhibit voltage gating, transitioning from high- to low-conducting states under high transmembrane potentials. Unlike flexible alpha-helical channels in which a physical occlusion appears, these rigid structures lack a clear gating mechanism. Using the bacterial porin OmpF from E. coli as a model system, we reveal a non-linear dependence of gating kinetics on electrolyte concentration, explained by a model based on Debye screening with high-concentration adjustments. Also, we demonstrate a large variability in low-conducting state conductances and a striking inversion in ion selectivity, switching from cationic in the high-conducting states to anionic in the low-conducting ones. Based on this and previous data, like the lack of a defined closed-state structure with major structural changes or narrowing of the pore, we hypothesize that OmpF channel closure could be understood as an electrochemical gating process. We suggest a non-steric mechanism in which low-conducting states arise from the disruption of the electrochemical gradient occurring when the external voltage causes subtle, collective reorganizations of channel residues, leading to surface dewetting at diverse locations of the channel. This model brings ideas from solid state nanopores were gating occurs without structural movements, offering a fresh perspective on β-barrel channel closure.
{"title":"Voltage-induced closure of β-barrel channels as electrochemical gating","authors":"Laidy M. Alvero-González , D. Aurora Perini , M. Lidón López , Antonio Alcaraz , María Queralt-Martín","doi":"10.1016/j.bioelechem.2025.109181","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bioelechem.2025.109181","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Most β-barrel channels exhibit voltage gating, transitioning from high- to low-conducting states under high transmembrane potentials. Unlike flexible alpha-helical channels in which a physical occlusion appears, these rigid structures lack a clear gating mechanism. Using the bacterial porin OmpF from <em>E. coli</em> as a model system, we reveal a non-linear dependence of gating kinetics on electrolyte concentration, explained by a model based on Debye screening with high-concentration adjustments. Also, we demonstrate a large variability in low-conducting state conductances and a striking inversion in ion selectivity, switching from cationic in the high-conducting states to anionic in the low-conducting ones. Based on this and previous data, like the lack of a defined closed-state structure with major structural changes or narrowing of the pore, we hypothesize that OmpF channel closure could be understood as an <em>electrochemical gating</em> process. We suggest a non-steric mechanism in which low-conducting states arise from the disruption of the electrochemical gradient occurring when the external voltage causes subtle, collective reorganizations of channel residues, leading to surface dewetting at diverse locations of the channel. This model brings ideas from solid state nanopores were gating occurs without structural movements, offering a fresh perspective on β-barrel channel closure.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":252,"journal":{"name":"Bioelectrochemistry","volume":"169 ","pages":"Article 109181"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2025-11-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145659859","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-25DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2025.109180
Zhihao Zhou , Xuan Huang , Dongbai Sun , Hongying Yu , Xuzhou Jiang
Biofouling is significantly harmful to marine engineering equipment. Utilizing electric fields for biofouling prevention is a promising approach. Current research on electric field anti-biofouling mechanisms primarily focuses on high-voltage fields, while low-voltage alternating electric fields exhibit excellent anti-biofouling efficacy and potential. This study employs low-voltage alternating electric fields, characterized by low energy consumption, high controllability, and minimal environmental impact, to repel the typical fouling microorganisms (Phaeodactylum tricornutum). The parameters of electric field were optimized to achieve a repulsion efficiency of 97.2 %. With DCFH-DA fluorescent probes, the elevated intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were observed after electric field treatment. Increased malondialdehyde (MDA) content confirmed the lipid peroxidation, revealing the induction of oxidative stress. Rhodamine 123 staining revealed the damage to the mitochondrial membrane in alternating electric field-treated cells, directly resulting in reduced adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels. These results indicate that low-voltage alternating electric fields disrupts energy homeostasis via ROS-mediated mitochondrial damage, thereby inhibiting diatom adhesion. This study investigates the biological mechanism of an electric field-based anti-biofouling strategy from the perspective of cellular energy supply, highlighting the critical role of energy pathways in microbial adhesion. The findings provide theoretical support for developing next-generation anti-biofouling systems and advancing sustainable marine engineering.
{"title":"A low-voltage alternating electric field strategy against Phaeodactylum tricornutum: Anti-biofouling mechanism under electrical stimulation","authors":"Zhihao Zhou , Xuan Huang , Dongbai Sun , Hongying Yu , Xuzhou Jiang","doi":"10.1016/j.bioelechem.2025.109180","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bioelechem.2025.109180","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Biofouling is significantly harmful to marine engineering equipment. Utilizing electric fields for biofouling prevention is a promising approach. Current research on electric field anti-biofouling mechanisms primarily focuses on high-voltage fields, while low-voltage alternating electric fields exhibit excellent anti-biofouling efficacy and potential. This study employs low-voltage alternating electric fields, characterized by low energy consumption, high controllability, and minimal environmental impact, to repel the typical fouling microorganisms (<em>Phaeodactylum tricornutum</em>). The parameters of electric field were optimized to achieve a repulsion efficiency of 97.2 %. With DCFH-DA fluorescent probes, the elevated intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were observed after electric field treatment. Increased malondialdehyde (MDA) content confirmed the lipid peroxidation, revealing the induction of oxidative stress. Rhodamine 123 staining revealed the damage to the mitochondrial membrane in alternating electric field-treated cells, directly resulting in reduced adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels. These results indicate that low-voltage alternating electric fields disrupts energy homeostasis via ROS-mediated mitochondrial damage, thereby inhibiting diatom adhesion. This study investigates the biological mechanism of an electric field-based anti-biofouling strategy from the perspective of cellular energy supply, highlighting the critical role of energy pathways in microbial adhesion. The findings provide theoretical support for developing next-generation anti-biofouling systems and advancing sustainable marine engineering.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":252,"journal":{"name":"Bioelectrochemistry","volume":"169 ","pages":"Article 109180"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2025-11-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145616680","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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