If you would like to be considered for the Industry Lead Role, please put the project in the subject line and email your resume to Eric@BoulderInnovationCenter.com.
PDF of Summary

Summary
Bioelectrochemical systems (BES) provide numerous opportunities for global benefit including, but not limited to, renewable energy and chemical production, wastewater treatment, and the production of desalinated water. Researchers at the University of Colorado Denver have developed different lab scale BES reactors that are capable of producing high power output with minimal cost in operation and materials. The MAP project will help identify potential market opportunities for this technology at full scale implementation.

Description of Technology
BESs, otherwise known as microbial fuel cells, are reactors which generate an electric current by using microorganisms to oxidize substrates and transfer electrons to a terminal electron acceptor such as oxygen. The electron donor (substrate) can be almost any biodegradable organic and inorganic materials, with most of the research being focused on using wastewater and wasted biomass. The unique feature of BESs as compared to other technologies is that this system can be very flexible that it can simultaneously achieve multiple functions, such as wastewater treatment, water desalination, and energy or chemical production. To date the following is a list of potential applications of bioelectrochemical systems:
•Electricity production
•Wastewater treatment (municipal, agricultural, industrial, etc.)
•Desalination
•Environmental Remediation (TCE, Uranium, Chromium, Perchlorate, etc.)
•Chemical production (Methane, hydrogen peroxide, hydrogen gas, sodium hydroxide, algae for biodiesel production, ethanol, propionate, etc. )
•Biological sensors (BOD, toxic compounds, marine sediments)
•Autonomous Robots
•Medical devices (heart disease, retinitis pigmentosa, macular degeneration, hearing impairment, spinal cord injury, Parkinson’s disease)
•Carbon sequestration

The reactor designed at the University of Colorado Denver is modular, meaning that it can be modified to perform any of the aforementioned applications, including multiple applications simultaneously. The group is currently working on modified systems that treat wastewater or petroleum hydrocarbon, produce hydrogen gas or electricity, and desalinate salt water simultaneously. They also work on producing value-added chemicals during CO2 sequestration.

Stage of Process
Currently in lab bench scale with improvements in reactor performance and reduction in material and operating costs. Pilot scale experiment is being designed.

IP Status
A United States Provisional Patent Application has been filed.
Available for licensing and currently seeking sponsored research opportunities.

If you would like to be considered for the Industry Lead Role, please put the project in the subject line and email your resume to Eric@BoulderInnovationCenter.com.