The Role of Protease-Producing Bacteria in Microbial Fuel Cells

Abstract

Microbial fuel cells are devices that generate electricity by using the chemical energy which is hidden in the substrates. <em>Bacillus subtilis</em> and <em>Shewanella</em>, connected in series, were used in order to increase the voltage. A bio cathode was used as an oxygen acceptor which was filled by <em>Chlorella vulgaris</em>. An amount of 200 mL molasses was used in the anode, and 200 mL BBM in the cathode. Nafion 115 was used as a PEM at 27˚C under microaerophilic conditions prepared for these experiments. At the same time as producing electricity, the basic protease was generated in the anode chamber containing <em>B.subtilis</em>. This protease was detected by Bradford's test. The series connection of MFCs increased the voltage, and for the first time, we succeeded in producing biological products like enzymes in MFCs.