Biproducts from Waste via Microbial Electrochemical Reactors
Dr. Gemma Reguera
Professor, Microbiology, Molecular Genetics
Geobacter bacteria transfer electrons to external electron accepters in order to gain energy for growth. This process has the potential to assist in the remediation of radioactive and toxic metals and in the generation of renewable energy. Prof. Gemma Regeura and her lab are developing Geobacter and their proteins for both purposes. Dr. Reguera’s efforts to further develop microbial electrochemical reactors using mixed cultures fermentative organisms with Geobacter to produce the polymer precursor 1,3-propanediol (PDO) using glycerin as a substitute are particularly innovative, as 1,3-PDO can be used to formulate industrial products such as composites, adhesives, laminates, and polyesters. Dr. Reguera has filed eight invention disclosures with MSU since 2010.
MSU Technologies is pleased to recognize Dr. Reguera for her innovative contributions to the fields of microbiology and molecular genetics.