Microbe of the Year 2024 - Cable Bacterium Electronema

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Dec 29, 2023 - Microbiology

Microbe of the Year 2024 - Cable Bacterium Electronema

The electrically conductive bacterium Electronema has been named "Microbe of the Year 2024." Discovered twelve years ago on the seabed, these microorganisms form electrically conductive chains, up to five centimeters long, also called cables, which are connected by electrically conductive protein fibers in their cell envelope. This enables them to convert sulfide to sulfate in oxygen-free zones.

Cable bacteria could not only promote pollutant degradation in water bodies but also reduce greenhouse gas formation.

The conductive structures could serve as biodegradable power cables in the future. Despite patents already being in place, commercial implementation is still pending.

Source: https://vaam.de/media/pm_mdj-2024.pdf