Biofilms are microbes attached to a surface. The
microbes form a film on the surface, giving rise to the
name biofilm. This Application Note deals specifically
with bacterial biofilms that convert chemicals to
electrical current on electrodes. Because of this
function, we refer to them as electrochemically active
biofilms (EABs). Interest in EABs ranges from their
function as bioanodes and biocathodes in microbial fuel
cells to new types of biosensors as well as novel
biosynthesis of sustainable chemicals.
This application note shows results for Geobacter
sulfurreducens, an oxygen-intolerant species of bacteria
able to grow on electrodes.1
If you are not familiar with quartz-crystal microbalances,
see our Application Note “Basics of a quartz crystal
microbalance”.