The Real, Live Microbial Fuel Cells Behind Astrophage - CleanTechnica

The article explores the connection between the fictional Astrophage from the movie Project Hail Mary and real-world microbial fuel cells (MFCs). Astrophage, a supercharged bacterium central to the film’s plot, inspires discussion about whether such organisms could be based on actual microbial fuel cells, which harness energy from microbes. MFCs are not new; they were first demonstrated in 1911 using soil bacteria, and research into bio-based energy from microbes has been ongoing, with notable contributions from microbiologists like Derek Lovely, who identified electricity-producing bacteria such as Geobacter. Recent advancements in MFC technology highlight their potential for practical applications. In 2023, a team at Binghamton University developed a dime-sized biobattery that could remain dormant for 100 years and be reactivated by moisture to produce electricity sufficient to power small devices. Although not yet powerful enough for military use, this represents a significant step toward commercial viability. In 2024, Northwestern University researchers created a