Relationship between quorum sensing and direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) of microorganisms on conductive material for enhancing methane production

Anaerobic digestion (AD) technology relies on the strong interaction between syntrophic microorganisms and methanogens. Direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) is a syntrophic metabolism in which free electrons flow from one cell to another without being shuttled by reduced molecules, which can enhance the efficiency of AD. This proposed research will investigate the relationship between the quorum sensing signals, microbial community and DIET potential during biofilm formation on conductive material. The research is conducted in the lab-scale anaerobic fixed film reactor which is installed with carbon felt as conductive material and is compared with non-conductive carrier. Each reactor is operated at certain conditions and different upflow velocity for developing the biofilm on the surface of carriers. It is expected that this proposed research contributes to new understanding for mechanism of biofilm formation on conductive which enhance the biofilm formation and efficiency of AD.