5. Conclusion

The identification of biocatalytic phenomena on conductive materials opens up new perspectives by identifying an electrochemical link between materials and micro-organisms. Biofilms, through the bacteria and/or enzymes they contain, can be electrochemically active, giving conductive materials unexpected properties. One of the main applications of this biocatalytic phenomenon is in fuel cells, which can use either the bacteria in biofilms or the enzymes to catalyze anodic and/or cathodic reactions. A new avenue has opened up in recent years: microbial fuel cells, also known as biopiles or bacteriopiles, are no longer just a laboratory curiosity, but are becoming a real scientific and industrial challenge.