Reviewed by Lexie CornerMar 3 2025
Researchers from the Technical University of Denmark, specializing in reactor design, electrode fabrication, and bioprinting applications, recently investigated how 3D printing is transforming MES. The study offers a comprehensive analysis of how 3D printing could significantly improve MES by enhancing design accuracy and flexibility. The study was published in Frontiers of Environmental Science & Engineering.
Image Credit: Frontiers
Microbial electrochemical systems (MES) have the potential to solve important environmental problems. MES is a promising method for wastewater treatment and energy production, as it uses microorganisms to transfer electrons, allowing it to both break down pollutants and generate electricity.
However, traditional methods for building MES components limit their design flexibility, which makes it harder to improve performance. To address this, new strategies are needed that allow for better control over the design and function of reactor components.
The study highlights the role of 3D printing in overcoming these limitations. One key benefit is the ability to quickly prototype and modify reactor designs. This flexibility helps improve the system's performance by optimizing how fluids move and how mass is transferred within the reactors.
Another advantage of 3D printing is its precision, which allows for the creation of electrodes with custom materials and shapes. This is important for improving how well the system works by enhancing biocompatibility and electron transfer. For example, 3D-printed electrodes can be designed with specific surface features to better support microbial attachment and facilitate electron exchange.
Additionally, 3D printing supports the development of stable biofilms on electrodes, which are important for the interactions between microorganisms and electrodes. By adjusting the structure and composition of these biofilms, researchers can improve the efficiency of MES.
These innovations address current design challenges and open up new possibilities for more effective wastewater treatment and bioenergy production.
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.
Dr. Yifeng Zhang, Leading Expert, Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark
Dr. Yifeng Zhang said, “The potential applications are vast, and we are excited to see how this technology will continue to evolve and impact the field.”
The use of 3D printing in MES could have a significant impact on several industries, including renewable energy and environmental management. Optimizing MES reactors may improve the breakdown of pollutants in wastewater treatment, helping to reduce the environmental impact of both municipal and industrial waste.
Advanced electrode designs could also increase the power output of microbial fuel cells, making them a viable option for producing sustainable energy. Additionally, the scalability and customization offered by 3D printing enable the creation of MES solutions for various applications, ranging from small-scale settings to large industrial operations. By enhancing resource efficiency and reducing carbon footprints, this technology could contribute to a more sustainable future.
Journal Reference:
Xu, M., et al. (2024) Leveraging 3D printing in microbial electrochemistry research: current progress and future opportunities. Frontiers of Environmental Science & Engineering. doi.org/10.1007/s11783-025-1921-y.