Bioelectricity in Living Plants: A Theoretical Review of Plant Microbial Fuel Cells, Their Bioelectrochemical Mechanisms, and Technological Challenges
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70577/fbb6hv33Keywords:
Bioelectricity; Renewable energy; Microbial fuel cells; Plant physiology; Bioelectrochemistry.Abstract
The search for sustainable energy sources has become one of the most significant scientific and technological challenges of the twenty-first century. Within this context, bioelectrochemical systems based on living organisms have attracted increasing attention because of their ability to convert natural biological processes into usable electrical energy. Among these emerging approaches, Plant Microbial Fuel Cells (PMFCs) represent a promising technology that exploits the metabolic interactions between plant roots, microorganisms inhabiting the rhizosphere, and extracellular electron transfer processes to generate bioelectricity. This study presents a theoretical review of the current state of knowledge regarding bioelectricity production in living plants through PMFC systems. The analysis examines the biochemical and electrochemical foundations that support these devices, with particular emphasis on extracellular electron transfer mechanisms that enable electron flow from electroactive microorganisms toward the system’s electrodes. In addition, the review evaluates recent experimental advances reported in the scientific literature and discusses the biological, physicochemical, and technological factors that influence the energy performance of these bioelectrochemical systems. Furthermore, the study identifies the main technical limitations that currently constrain the scalability and practical application of this technology, including the relatively low power density produced, the complexity of microbial interactions within the rhizosphere, and the challenges associated with designing electrodes and conductive materials compatible with living plant systems. Finally, future research perspectives are discussed, highlighting the potential development of sustainable bioenergy solutions based on the integration of natural biological processes with emerging electrochemical technologies.
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