Quorum sensing signals improve the power performance and chlortetracycline degradation efficiency of mixed-culture electroactive biofilms

Electroactive biofilms (EABs) play an important role in bioelectrochemical systems due to their abilities to generate electrons and perform extracellular electron transfer (EET). Here, we investigated the effects of quorum sensing (QS) signals on power output, chlortetracycline degradation, and structure of EABs in MFCs treating antibiotic wastewater. The voltage output of MFCs with C4-HSL and PQS increased by 21.57% and 13.73%, respectively, compared with that without QS signals. The chlortetracycline degradation efficiency in closed-circuit MFCs with C4-HSL and PQS increased by 56.53% and 50.04%, respectively, which resulted from the thicker biofilms, higher biomass, and stronger activities. Additionally, QS signals induced the heterogeneous distribution of EPS for a balance between self-protection and EET under environmental pressure. Geobacter prevailed by the addition of QS signals to resist high chlortetracycline concentration. Our results provided a broader understanding on regulating EABs within electrode interface to improve their performance for environmental remediation and clean energy development. [Display omitted] •The voltage output of MFCs was enhanced with the addition of QS signals•QS signals increased the bioelectrochemical degradation efficiency of CTC•EABs exhibited heterogeneity in composition and interaction by the QS signals•QS signals induced a balance between self-protection and EET of EABs Chemistry; Electrochemistry; Electrochemical energy conversion; Earth sciences; Environmental science; Energy resources; Biological sciences; Microbiology; Biotechnology; Biological waste treatment