Bioconversion of Whey to Electrical Energy in a Biofuel Cell Using Saccharomyces cerevisiae

2 Abstract: Biofuel cells represent a new technology for simultaneous use of waste materials and bioelectricity generation. In this study, electricity generation with whey degradation was investigated in a two compartment cell with and without mediators in the microbial fuel cell. Saccharomyces cerevisiae (PTCC 5269) was able to utilize the carbohydrate exist in the whey for generation of bioelectricity. The open circuit potential in absence of mediator was 500 mV at ambient temperature (25±2°C). The voltage was stably for duration of 2 days. Methylen blue and natural reds were used as potential mediators. The results showed that natural red was a few times more effective than methylen blue. Maximum power generation and current were 50 µW and 470 µA, respectively.