So you think you're an electrochemist, well say hello to my little friend

Geobacter species are ubiquitous subsurface bacteria found in both freshwater and marine sediments thought to play important roles in geochemical processes. They possess the unique ability to reduce minerals by direct contact without apparent reliance on soluble electron-transfer mediators. This heterogeneous electron-transfer capability extends to electrodes, making Geobacter species excellent anode catalysts for microbial fuel cells because it results in relatively high current density and obviates the need to replenish electron-transfer mediators otherwise necessary to sustain current. Here I will describe our latest results studying the electrochemistry of Geobacter-modified electrodes and their potential applications in power generation and bioremediation.