Self-Sustaining Bioelectrochemical Cell from Fungal Degradation of Lignin-Rich Agrowaste

The present work describes a self-sustaining bioelectrochemical system that adopts simple cell configurations and operates in uncontrolled ambient surroundings. microbial fuel (MFC) was comprised of white-rot fungus Phanaerochaete chrysosporium fed with oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) as the substrate. This fungal strain degrades lignin by producing ligninolytic enzymes such laccase, which demonstrates specific affinity for oxygen its electron acceptor. By simply pairing zinc air electrode membraneless, single-chamber, 250-mL enclosure, electricity could be harvested. zinc/air is capable sustaining 1 mA discharge current continuously 44 days (i.e., capacity 1056 mAh). role metabolic activities P. on EFB towards MFC’s performance supported linear sweep voltammetry measurement scanning microscopy observations. ability MFC to sustain prolonged duration despite microbes not being attached attributed formation network filamentous hyphae under submerged culture. Further, gradual decomposition inocula ensures continuous supply laccase enzyme radical oxidants MFC. These factors promote devoid any control features.