Typical MFC are limited in their power capability due to a high charge transfer resistance associated with low bio-kinetics and hindered charge mobility to the electrode. These shortcomings cause high energy loss which lead to a decrease of the MFC potential. Hence, understanding the charge transfer processes in the anode can lead to improving the energy efficiency of the MFC.
Recently, we have detected the formation of green color molecules in the C. basilensis bacterial anode chamber solution. Extraction of the green color molecules using two phases organic and water. Analyzing it using HPLC and MS analysis, revealed that these green molecules are pyocyanin. From the literature it is known that pyocyanin is considered as a redox active molecule [Rabeay et al 2005]. In this study we examined the influence of the presence and attrition of the natural pyocyanin on the current voltage profiles in MFC, and thereby correlate its activity with electron charge transfer mediation process at the anode. Our results indicate that the addition of concentrated solution with natural pyocyanin which were extracted from a culture of C. basilensis bacterial cells growing in acetate as a sole carbon source led to enhancement of the current and power density of the MFC.
