Scientists at Binghamton University in New York state have developed a self-sustaining cell that generated power for 13 days through symbiotic interactions between two types of bacteria. The researchers created a 90-microlitre cell chamber and produced a mixed culture of phototrophic and heterotrophic bacteria. Phototrophic bacteria use solar energy, CO2 and water to create energy. Heterotrophic bacteria create energy by feeding off organic matter, including phototropic bacteria. Through cellular respiration, the heterotrophic bacteria produced CO2 waste, which enabled the phototrophic bacteria to grow. They were then eaten by the heterotrophic organisms, producing more CO2 and continuing the symbiotic cycle. This is an important step towards creating artificial photosynthesis systems based on natural processes.
Scientists at Binghamton University in New York state have developed a self-sustaining cell that generated power for 13 days through symbiotic interactions between two types of bacteria. The researchers created a 90-microlitre cell chamber and produced a mixed culture of phototrophic and heterotrophic bacteria. Phototrophic bacteria use solar energy, CO2 and water to create energy. Heterotrophic bacteria create energy by feeding off organic matter, including phototropic bacteria. Through cellular respiration, the heterotrophic bacteria produced CO2 waste, which enabled the phototrophic bacteria to grow. They were then eaten by the heterotrophic organisms, producing more CO2 and continuing the symbiotic cycle. The resulting metabolic processes generated an electrical current.