Radiation-resistance in alternative energy systems: A critical approach to microbial fuel cells adapted for extreme environments

Authors

  • H. Abdulsalam Department of Chemistry, Kogi State University, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Anyigba/Lokoja, Kogi Nigeria Author
  • A. Mohammed Department of Chemistry, Kogi State University, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Anyigba/Lokoja, Kogi Nigeria Author
  • K.E. Bello Department of Microbiology, Kogi State University, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Anyigba/Lokoja, Kogi Nigeria Author
  • A.S. Abdirasak Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, SIMAD University, Mogadishu, Somalia Author
  • S. Mohammed Department of Biochemistry, Kogi State University, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Anyigba/Lokoja, Kogi Nigeria Author
  • Y.A. Nageye Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, SIMAD University, Mogadishu, Somalia Author
  • D.A. Moses Department of Biotechnology Science and Engineering, University of Alabama in Huntsville, USA Author
  • C. Okpanachi Department of Chemistry, Kogi State University, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Anyigba/Lokoja, Kogi Nigeria Author
  • C. Okpanachi Department of Chemistry, Kogi State University, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Anyigba/Lokoja, Kogi Nigeria Author
  • P.O. Adejo Department of Microbiology, Kogi State University, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Anyigba/Lokoja, Kogi Nigeria Author
  • G. Aliyu Department of Microbiology, Kogi State University, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Anyigba/Lokoja, Kogi Nigeria Author
  • O.M. Emorotu Department of Microbiology, Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, Kogi State, Nigeria Author
  • J.F. Itodo Department of Microbiology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria Author
  • Y. Wada Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Universiti Sains Malaysia Author
  • T.B. Momoh Department Of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Kogi State (Prince Abubakar Audu) University, Anyigba, Nigeria Author
  • O.F. Olakunle Department of Microbiology, University of Ilorin, Nigeria Author
  • T.R Bukola Department of Microbiology, University of Ilorin, Nigeria Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32523/ejpfm.2026100101

Keywords:

microbial fuel cells, radiation-resistant microorganisms, extremophiles, extracellular electron transfer, bioenergy

Abstract

The quest for sustainable energy systems that function in severe settings has generated interest in microbial fuel cells (MFCs) utilizing radiation-resistant bacteria. These extremophiles, such as Deinococcus radiodurans, Thermococcus gammatolerans, and Rubrobacter radiotolerans, exhibit remarkable DNA repair systems, antioxidative defenses, and protein-protection mechanisms that facilitate prolonged metabolic activity in the presence of strong ionizing radiation. This review aims to critically assess recent advances in electrode nanomaterials, biofilm engineering, and system optimization approaches to improve microbial fuel cell (MFC) performance. In contrast to traditional electrogens like Shewanella oneidensis and Geobacter sulfurreducens, which quickly deteriorate under radiation stress, these organisms preserve their extracellular electron transfer (EET) capability and biofilm integrity in adverse conditions. Their incorporation into MFCs broadens prospective uses in space exploration, radioactive waste treatment, deep subterranean bioenergy extraction, and autonomous environmental surveillance. In interplanetary environments, radiation-resistant microbial fuel cells could supply continuous electricity for life-support systems and instruments in scenarios where solar energy is inconsistent. In nuclear reactors and polluted locations, they could concurrently immobilize radionuclides and produce power for distant sensors. Deep systems may utilize native extremophiles to facilitate seismic and hydrogeological monitoring, whilst autonomous biosensors could function in disaster areas for prolonged environmental surveillance. By integrating extremophile resilience with MFC adaptability, these systems provide a self-sustaining, low-maintenance power source that operates effectively in environments where traditional bio-electrochemical technologies are ineffective. The review examines microbial adaptations to radiation, material degradation in radioactive conditions, electron transport pathways, and the contribution of extremophiles to the enhancement of MFC performance. Utilizing these creatures for energy production signifies a new frontier in bioenergy research, with considerable ramifications for planetary science, nuclear safety, and sustainable infrastructure in harsh conditions.

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Published

2026-02-24

Issue

Vol. 10 No. 1 (2026): Volume 10, Number 1 (2026)

Section

Review

How to Cite

(1)
Abdulsalam, H.; Mohammed, A.; Bello, K.; Abdirasak, A.; Mohammed, S.; Nageye, Y.; Moses, D.; Okpanachi, C.; Okpanachi, C.; Adejo, P.; Aliyu, G.; Emorotu, O.; Itodo, J.; Wada, Y.; Momoh, T.; Olakunle, O.; Bukola, T. Radiation-Resistance in Alternative Energy Systems: A Critical Approach to Microbial Fuel Cells Adapted for Extreme Environments. Eur. J. Phys. Funct. Mater. 2026, 10 (1), 6-24. https://doi.org/10.32523/ejpfm.2026100101.