Microbial electrochemical systems (MES) are gaining significant attention for their potential to tackle pressing environmental challenges. By harnessing microorganisms to transfer electrons, MES can simultaneously degrade pollutants and generate electricity, presenting a promising solution for sustainable wastewater treatment and energy production. However, the traditional methods of constructing MES components often limit their design flexibility, impeding performance optimization. To address these constraints and improve MES efficiency, innovative approaches are necessary—approaches that can precisely tailor the structure and function of reactor components.
Recently, researchers from the Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering at the Technical University of Denmark published an extensive review (DOI: 10.1007/s11783-025-1921-y) in the journal Frontiers of Environmental Science & Engineering. The study delves into how 3D printing is revolutionizing MES, with a focus on reactor design, electrode fabrication, and bioprinting applications. The review provides a thorough analysis of the potential for 3D printing to significantly enhance MES through greater design flexibility and precision.
The review highlights several innovations made possible by 3D printing. One of the most significant advancements is the ability to rapidly prototype and customize reactor designs. This flexibility enables researchers to optimize fluid dynamics and mass transfer within reactors, resulting in improved system performance. Moreover, the precision of 3D printing allows for the fabrication of electrodes with tailored geometries and materials—key factors in enhancing electron transfer and biocompatibility. For example, 3D-printed electrodes can be designed with specific surface properties and porosity to maximize microbial adhesion and facilitate efficient electron exchange. Additionally, the integration of bioprinting techniques enables the construction of stable biofilms on electrodes. By meticulously controlling the architecture and composition of these biofilms, researchers can optimize interactions between microbes and electrodes, further boosting MES efficiency. These breakthroughs address existing design limitations and unlock new possibilities for sustainable applications in wastewater treatment and bioenergy production.
Dr. Yifeng Zhang, a leading expert in environmental engineering, weighed in on the significance of these findings. He remarked, "The integration of 3D printing technology into MES represents a major breakthrough. It provides the precision and flexibility needed to optimize reactor designs and electrode structures, which are critical for enhancing system performance. This innovation not only accelerates the development of sustainable environmental technologies but also opens up new avenues for addressing global challenges in energy and waste management. The potential applications are vast, and we are excited to see how this technology will continue to evolve and impact the field."
The application of 3D printing in MES promises far-reaching implications for multiple sectors, including environmental management and renewable energy. In wastewater treatment, optimized MES reactors could lead to more efficient pollutant degradation, mitigating the environmental impact of industrial and municipal waste. For energy generation, advanced electrode designs could boost the power output of microbial fuel cells, positioning them as a viable alternative for sustainable energy production. Moreover, the scalability and customization of 3D printing allow for tailored MES solutions across a wide range of applications, from small-scale settings to large industrial operations. This technology holds the potential to contribute to a more sustainable future by enhancing resource utilization and reducing carbon footprints.
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References
DOI
10.1007/s11783-025-1921-y
Original Source URL
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11783-025-1921-y
Funding information
The authors thank the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark (No. 21-08-DTU, Denmark), VILLUM FONDEN (No. 40828, Denmark), Independent Research Fund Denmark (Project 1, No. 171114, Denmark), and Horizon Europe project BIOMETHAVERSE (No. 101084200) for partly funding the research.
About Frontiers of Environmental Science & Engineering
Frontiers of Environmental Science & Engineering (FESE) is the leading edge forum for peer-reviewed original submissions in English on all main branches of environmental disciplines. FESE welcomes original research papers, review articles, short communications, and views & comments. All the papers will be published within 6 months after they are submitted. The Editors-in-Chief are Academician Jiuhui Qu from Tsinghua University, and Prof. John C. Crittenden from Georgia Institute of Technology, USA. The journal has been indexed by almost all the authoritative databases such as SCI, EI, INSPEC, SCOPUS, CSCD, etc.