Catalytic activity of baker's yeast in a mediatorless microbial fuel cell

The catalytic activity of baker's yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, as a biocatalyst was investigated in a mediatorless microbial fuel cell. The yeast cells that adhered on the anode surface were the active biocatalyst for glucose oxidation in a mediatorless biofuel cell, suggesting that the electron transfer took place through the surface confined species. The species in the anolyte solution including the dispersed yeast cells did not take a part in the electron transfer and thus in the power generation. ► Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast cells are the actual anode catalyst in a mediatorless MFC. ► The adhered yeast cells on the anode surface are responsible for the power generation. ► The electron transfer was conducted through the surface confined species.