Cellulose-fueled extracellular electron transfer in termite gut microbes.

Cellulose-driven extracellular electron transfer occurs in termite gut microbes, revealing a novel mechanism for anaerobic cellulose metabolism with potential bioelectrochemical applications.

• Why it matters: Understanding how termite gut microbiota decompose lignocellulosic biomass is crucial for insights into global carbon cycling and developing sustainable bioenergy technologies.
• What they did: The study examined a gram-positive cellulolytic bacterium, Ruminiclostridium cellobioparum subsp. termitidis CT1112, and the termite gut microbiome, demonstrating cellulose-dependent current production and redox mediator involvement through electrochemical assays.
• The result: Findings show EET capability in termite gut microbes, suggesting a role in redox balance and carbon cycling, and positioning these microbes as promising candidates for bioelectricity generation and biotechnological innovations.