Desiccation of Geobacter Sulfurreducens: Membrane Response to Osmotic Stress

Geobacter sulfurreducens is a δ-proteobacterium capable of electron transfer to extracellular compounds and surfaces [1] that has possible technological applications in microbial-based sensors, bioremediation of contaminated environments and harvesting electricity from waste organic matter [2]. Further development of many of these applications requires stabilization and preservation of bacteria as thin films on surfaces. One method of encapsulating bacteria in thin films is through the use of porous latex coatings [2]. However, during the formation of these films, the bacteria are exposed to osmotic stresses.