Microbial electrochemical technologies: maturing but not mature

It started more than 100 years ago (Potter, 1911). As most, if not all, important developments, its discovery was triggered by mere curiosity. Obviously, what we are referring to is a field of science and engineering that is now summarized under the umbrella of microbial electrochemical technologies (MET). MET are based on the interfacing of microbiology and electrochemistry. Primary MET are based on the wiring of microbial metabolism to solid-state electrodes, via a process typically referred to as extracellular electron transfer (EET). Until recently, EET remained a scientific curiosity. However, advances in the physiology, phylogeny and even biochemistry of so-called 'electroactive'bacteria have gained deeper insights and shown that electroactives are more abundant and important than considered, so far.