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Miniaturization of measurement systems offers several advantages, including reduced sample and reagent volumes, improved control over experimental conditions, and the ability to multiplex complementary measurement modalities, thereby enabling new types of studies in microbial electrochemistry. We present a scalable glass-based microfluidic bioelectrochemical cell (µ-BEC) platform for multiplexed investigations of microbial extracellular electron uptake (EEU). The platform integrates eight independently addressable three-electrode cells in a 2×4 array, with transparent working electrodes that support simultaneous electrochemical analysis and optical imaging. Using Rhodopseudomonas palustris TIE-1 as a model phototroph, we measured EEU activity under light-dark cycling. Microfluidic flow was used to selectively remove planktonic cells, enabling isolation of the electron uptake signal associated with surface attached cells. These results demonstrate the µ-BEC as a robust and adaptable platform for probing microbial electron transfer, with broad potential for high-throughput and multimodal studies. 

Abstract Petroleum‐based plastics levy significant environmental and economic costs that can be alleviated with sustainably sourced, biodegradable, and bio‐based polymers such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). However, industrial‐scale production of PHAs faces barriers stemming from insufficient product yields and high costs. To address these challenges, we must look beyond the current suite of microbes for PHA production and investigate non‐model organisms with versatile metabolisms. In that vein, we assessed PHA production by the photosynthetic purple non‐sulfur bacteria (PNSB)Rhodomicrobium vannieliiandRhodomicrobium udaipurense.We show that both species accumulate PHA across photo‐heterotrophic, photo‐hydrogenotrophic, photo‐ferrotrophic, and photo‐electrotrophic growth conditions, with either ammonium chloride (NH₄Cl) or dinitrogen gas (N₂) as nitrogen sources. Our data indicate that nitrogen source plays a significant role in dictating PHA synthesis, with N₂fixation promoting PHA production during photoheterotrophy and photoelectrotrophy but inhibiting production during photohydrogenotrophy and photoferrotrophy. We observed the highest PHA titres (up to 44.08 mg/L, or 43.61% cell dry weight) when cells were grown photoheterotrophically on sodium butyrate with N₂, while production was at its lowest during photoelectrotrophy (as low as 0.04 mg/L, or 0.16% cell dry weight). We also find that photohydrogenotrophically grown cells supplemented with NH₄Cl exhibit the highest electron yields – up to 58.89% – while photoheterotrophy demonstrated the lowest (0.27%–1.39%). Finally, we highlight superior electron conversion and PHA production compared to a related PNSB,Rhodopseudomonas palustrisTIE‐1. This study illustrates the value of studying non‐model organisms likeRhodomicrobiumfor sustainable PHA production and indicates future directions for exploring PNSB metabolisms. 

Abstract Microbial biofilms are ubiquitous. In marine and freshwater ecosystems, microbe–mineral interactions sustain biogeochemical cycles, while biofilms found on plants and animals can range from pathogens to commensals. Moreover, biofouling and biocorrosion represent significant challenges to industry. Bioprocessing is an opportunity to take advantage of biofilms and harness their utility as a chassis for biocommodity production. Electrochemical bioreactors have numerous potential applications, including wastewater treatment and commodity production. The literature examining these applications has demonstrated that the cell–surface interface is vital to facilitating these processes. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the state of knowledge regarding biofilms’ role in bioprocessing. This mini-review discusses bacterial biofilm formation, cell–surface redox interactions, and the role of microbial electron transfer in bioprocesses. It also highlights some current goals and challenges with respect to microbe-mediated bioprocessing and future perspectives. 

Abstract Anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO₂) release in the atmosphere from fossil fuel combustion has inspired scientists to study CO₂to biofuel conversion. Oxygenic phototrophs such as cyanobacteria have been used to produce biofuels using CO₂. However, oxygen generation during oxygenic photosynthesis adversely affects biofuel production efficiency. To producen-butanol (biofuel) from CO₂, here we introduce ann-butanol biosynthesis pathway into an anoxygenic (non-oxygen evolving) photoautotroph,Rhodopseudomonas palustrisTIE-1 (TIE-1). Using different carbon, nitrogen, and electron sources, we achieven-butanol production in wild-type TIE-1 and mutants lacking electron-consuming (nitrogen-fixing) or acetyl-CoA-consuming (polyhydroxybutyrate and glycogen synthesis) pathways. The mutant lacking the nitrogen-fixing pathway produce the highestn-butanol. Coupled with novel hybrid bioelectrochemical platforms, this mutant producesn-butanol using CO₂, solar panel-generated electricity, and light with high electrical energy conversion efficiency. Overall, this approach showcases TIE-1 as an attractive microbial chassis for carbon-neutraln-butanol bioproduction using sustainable, renewable, and abundant resources.