From Microbial Fuel Cell To MEC Using Anode Bacteria-Homo-acetogensA continuing development on microbial fuel cell from using Stainless steel bristle brush as catalyst instead of platinum to now specialized bacteria. Dr. Prathap Parameswaranin of Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University uses Microbial Electrochemical Cell or MEC to facilitate bacterial respiration as a means of liberating hydrogen electrons. Once these electrons are released this can be used to generate current and make clean electricity.
The bacteria are grown in the Mason jar-sized positive chamber of the MEC called anode. To grow these bacteria they can be feed with waste materials such as livestock manure or other farm waste. While munching on their food and growing they will be transferring electrons onto the electrode to make electricity. anode respiring bacteria
Dr. Parameswaran says, "We were able to establish that these homo-acetogens can prevail and form relationships." he further explains that their next focus is on sustaining such syntrophic relations between homo-acetogens and anode bacteria in the absence of chemical inhibitors. Dr. Prathap Parameswaran 
The discovery of these specialized bacteria (sometimes known as electric microbes) for fuel cell application opens the possibility of wastewater treatment and clean energy generation. Exciting! Return to Hydrogen Fuel Cell Page
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