Bioelectrochemistry I

This is the first course devoted to bioelectrochemistry held within the frame work of the International School of Biophysics. Although this branch of scientific research is already about two centuries old, as a truly independent one it has been in a stage of lively development since only a few decades ago and this is why a first course at the E. Majorana Center was devoted to it. Since bioelectrochemistry consists of many sub-fields, it is impossible to include, even superficially, all of them in a short course lasting just a week, and therefore the chapter of redox-reactions was chosen for this first course as being most general in character. But even restricting the course to redox-reactions, only a few subjects could be included and therefore the choice among them was made considering the most general guidelines that could serve as a basis for the further study of individual problems. In this way we hope to give a sound basis to the study of and to stimulate further interest in this branch of both biological and physical chemistry. This dual interdisciplinary approach is, on the other hand, unavoidable if a more rigorous and logical attack on biological problems in living bodies is to be carried ahead. VII CONTENTS ix Symbols and acronyms Opening address A. BORSELLINO 1 Bioelectrochemistry and bioenergetics: an interdisciplinary survey G. MILAZZO 5 General criteria for the fulfilment of redox reactions R. BUVET 15 Photosynthesis - selected topics H.

This book contains aseries of review papers related to the lectures given at the Third Course on Bioelectrochemistry held at Erice in November 1988, in the framework of the International School of Biophysics. The topics covered by this course, "Charge Separation Across Biomembranes, " deal with the electrochemical aspects of some basic phenomena in biological systems, such as transport of ions, ATP synthesis, formation and maintenance of ionic and protonic gradients. In the first part of the course some preliminary lectures introduce the students to the most basic phenomena and technical aspects of membrane bioelectrochemistry. The remaining part of the course is devoted to the description of a selected group of membrane-enzyme systems, capable of promoting, or exploiting, the processes of separation of electrically charged entities (electrons or ions) across the membrane barrier. These systems are systematically discussed both from a structural and functional point of view. The effort of the many distinguished lecturers who contributed to the course is aimed at offering a unifying treatement of the electrogenic systems operating in biological membranes, underlying the fundamental differences in the molecular mechanisms of charge translocation.

This book contains the lectures of the second course devoted to bioelectro chemistry, held within the framework of the International School of Biophysics. In this course another very large field of bioelectrochemistry, i. e. the field of Membrane Phenomena, was considered, which itself consists of several different, but yet related subfields. Here again, it can be easily stated that it is impossible to give a complete and detailed picture of all membrane phenomena of biological interest in a short course of about one and half week. Therefore the same philosophy, as the one of the first course, was followed, to select a series of lectures at postgraduate level, giving a synthesis of several membrane phenomena chosen among the most'important ones. These lectures should show the large variety of membrane-regulated events occurring in living bodies, and serve as sound interdisciplinary basis to start a special ized study of biological phenomena, for which the investigation using the dual approach, physico-chemical and biological, is unavoidable. Since, as already mentioned, it was impossible to exhaust, even roughly, is a short course like this, the presentation and introductory treatment of the extremely large variety of membrane phenomena, it can be expected that the third course will continue the subject of membrane phenomena deepening some ones presented in this course and introducing some new ones. vii CONTENTS Symbols and acronyms IX Opening address G. MILAZZO 1 Structure of biological membranes and of their models I J . A. HAYWARD et al.

In the context of wastewater treatment, Bioelectrochemical Systems (BESs) have gained considerable interest in the past few years, and several BES processes are on the brink of application to this area. This book, written by a large number of world experts in the different sub-topics, describes the different aspects and processes relevant to their development. Bioelectrochemical Systems (BESs) use micro-organisms to catalyze an oxidation and/or reduction reaction at an anodic and cathodic electrode respectively. Briefly, at an anode oxidation of organic and inorganic electron donors can occur. Prime examples of such electron donors are waste organics and sulfides. At the cathode, an electron acceptor such as oxygen or nitrate can be reduced. The anode and the cathode are connected through an electrical circuit. If electrical power is harvested from this circuit, the system is called a Microbial Fuel Cell; if electrical power is invested, the system is called a Microbial Electrolysis Cell. The overall framework of bio-energy and bio-fuels is discussed. A number of chapters discuss the basics – microbiology, microbial ecology, electrochemistry, technology and materials development. The book continues by highlighting the plurality of processes based on BES technology already in existence, going from wastewater based reactors to sediment based bio-batteries. The integration of BESs into existing water or process lines is discussed. Finally, an outlook is provided of how BES will fit within the emerging biorefinery area.

Bioelectrochemistry is a fast growing field linking together electrochemistry, biochemistry, medicinal chemistry and analytical chemistry. The current book outlines the recent progress in the area and the applications in biological materials design and bioenergy, covering in particular biosensors, bioelectronic devices, biofuel cells, biodegradable batteries and biomolecule-based computing.

Bioelectrochemistry: Fundamentals, Experimental Techniques and Application, covers the fundamental aspects of the chemistry, physics and biology which underlie this subject area. It describes some of the different experimental techniques that can be used to study bioelectrochemical problems and it describes various applications of biolelectrochemisty including amperometric biosensors, immunoassays, electrochemistry of DNA, biofuel cells, whole cell biosensors, in vivo applications and bioelectrosynthesis. By bringing together these different aspects, this work provides a unique source of information in this area, approaching the subject from a cross-disciplinary viewpoint.

An introduction to the fundamental concepts and rules in bioelectrochemistry and explores latest advancements in the field Bioelectrochemical Interface Engineering offers a guide to this burgeoning interdisciplinary field. The authors—noted experts on the topic—present a detailed explanation of the field’s basic concepts, provide a fundamental understanding of the principle of electrocatalysis, electrochemical activity of the electroactive microorganisms, and mechanisms of electron transfer at electrode-electrolyte interfaces. They also explore the design and development of bioelectrochemical systems. The authors review recent advances in the field including: the development of new bioelectrochemical configurations, new electrode materials, electrode functionalization strategies, and extremophilic electroactive microorganisms. These current developments hold the promise of powering the systems in remote locations such as deep sea and extra-terrestrial space as well as powering implantable energy devices and controlled drug delivery. This important book: • Explores the fundamental concepts and rules in bioelectrochemistry and details the latest advancements • Presents principles of electrocatalysis, electroactive microorganisms, types and mechanisms of electron transfer at electrode-electrolyte interfaces, electron transfer kinetics in bioelectrocatalysis, and more • Covers microbial electrochemical systems and discusses bioelectrosynthesis and biosensors, and bioelectrochemical wastewater treatment • Reviews microbial biosensor, microfluidic and lab-on-chip devices, flexible electronics, and paper and stretchable electrodes Written for researchers, technicians, and students in chemistry, biology, energy and environmental science, Bioelectrochemical Interface Engineering provides a strong foundation to this advanced field by presenting the core concepts, basic principles, and newest advances.

For several years now scientific and medical sLaff have recognised the risks of toxicity of certain metals contained in alloys used in Lhe manufacture of biomaterials protheses, implants, and artificial organs. A number or scientific and industrial research centres have focussed their investigations in this direction and international societies and commissions have organised meetings with specialists from complementary disciplines in attendance in attempts to guage the importance of biological risks and to determine the toxicity of certain metals, with the aim of establishing preventive measures and guidelines. In the last century great efforts have been made to reduce unwanted biological effects caused by orthopaedic implants. The problems of pain and infection were overcome and the development of modern technology has resulted in a convincing decrease in corrosion problems and mechanical failure, such that ostosynthesis and endoprosthesis have rapidly progressed beyond the level of tentative investingation.llowever, a number of problems still remain to be solved, such as the influence of the material type on the healing process and its relative speed. The increasing use of cobalt-,chromium-and nickel-containing alloys in surgical and dental implants has raised various questions concerning the biological consequences of chronic internal release of these elements in the human body. A total of 55 delegates representing 16 countries heard presentations of fundamental aspects, local and remote tissue response, immunopathology, clinical aspects, and manufacturing qual ity control issues.