Developing a Bacterial Monolayer Biofilm Using an Electrochemical Reactor

Begin with an electrochemical reactor equipped with an external water jacket, tightly sealed over a working electrode.

Next, insert the reference and counter electrodes to complete the electrical circuit.

Remove the reference electrode, add nutrient media, and place the electrode back.

Introduce filtered nitrogen gas to create anaerobic conditions.

Place the setup inside a Faraday cage to avoid external electrical interference.

Connect the water circulation system to maintain the reactor temperature during the voltage application.

Next, connect to a potentiostat and apply a constant electrical voltage to the working electrode relative to the reference electrode.

Inject the bacterial suspension into the reactor and close the cage. Continue applying electrical voltage.

The applied voltage stimulates extracellular electron transfer from the bacterial cells to the working electrode, promoting initial surface attachment.

Over time, bacteria form a monolayer biofilm on the working electrode.

To construct a three-electrode electrochemical reactor, put an ITO substrate as the working electrode at the bottom of the reactor.

Subsequently, insert a glass cylinder and a polytetrafluoroethylene cover and