ABSTRACT
Bioelectrochemical systems are a promising technology for future biotechnological applications due to their manifold conceivable applications. Microbial fuel cells and microbial electrolysis cells allow establishing the biotechnological processes in the anode compartments in which specifically designed microorganisms catalyze the conversion of substrates to one higher oxidized end product using an anode as the undepletable electron acceptor. Here, we will briefly summarize the progress in establishing the concept of electrode-assisted fermentations, and use the example of acetoin (3-hydroxy-2-butanon) production to underline the advantages of electrode-assisted fermentations in anoxic environments. Genetic engineering of the strains Shewanella oneidensis as well as Escherichia coli to effectively produce acetoin is described in more detail. Furthermore, this review gives theoretical examples of necessities that are required to realize electrode-assisted fermentations on an industrial level.
