Exploring optimal supplement strategy of medicinal herbs and tea extracts for bioelectricity generation in microbial fuel cells

This first-attempt study utilized extracts from antioxidant-rich Camellia and non-Camellia tea along with medicinal herbs as model electron shuttles (ESs) to enhance bioelectricity generation performance in microbial fuel cells (MFCs). The research aimed to demonstrate how these natural extracts could significantly reduce electron transfer resistance and thereby improve power generation efficiency in MFCs. By comparing the power-density profiles, the study identified that Camellia tea extracts were the most effective, followed by non-Camellia Chrysanthemum tea and various medicinal herbs. Findings revealed that the antioxidant activities, total phenolic contents, and power-stimulating capabilities were electrochemically linked. Notably, unfermented Camellia tea (green tea) emerged as the most promising ES for boosting bioenergy extraction compared to other tested herbal extracts. The investigation highlights the potential of utilizing eco-friendly natural resources as a sustainable practice for enhancing MFC performance.