Improvement of Performance of Direct Photosynthetic/Metabolic Micro Bio–Fuel Cell by Genetic Modified Bacteria

Abstract

In our laboratory, we have developed mediator–less Direct Photosynthetic/Metabolic Bio Fuel Cell (DPMFC). This battery′s principle is that micro particles of Poly–aniline were adapted to electrodes to draw electrons directly from bacteria. The battery′s performance is fundamentally decided by the electron emission efficiency of bacteria. The present paper aims to improve this by applying Gene Manipulation Technology. We already found that Purple Photosynthetic Bacteria (PPB) had such special functions as to be activated by organic compound as well as to emit hydrogen both in photosynthetic and metabolic process. Our hypothesis is that more electrons will be stored inside of bacteria if hydrogen emission will be inhibited, therefore, the gene of purple photosynthetic bacteria is manipulated so as to inhibit emission of hydrogen. As a result, the power density of Gene manipulated bacteria became 10µW/cm², that is higher than the normal one.