Bioelectrochemical Tensegrity System: Integrating biophotovoltaics with tensegrity struts for sustainable energy generation

Despite significant advancements in bioelectrochemical systems over the past decade, scaling up these devices remains a major challenge, limiting their practical application. This study explores the structural and functional integration of biophotovoltaic (BPV) cells onto a tensegrity strut. Tensegrity structures, composed of interconnected struts and cables, offer high stability and low material use, combined with BPV cells that utilize Synechocystis sp.PCC 6803 to generate photocurrent under both day and night conditions.   We also explored the interactions of other artificial microbial consortiums comprising P.putida KT2440 (Pp), S.oneidensis MR-1 (So), and Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 (Ss). Results indicate positive interactions between Ss and So, Pp and So using the MIMIC library developed by the UCL CSSB group (2022).   Among different BPV configurations, the liquid-based BPV system containing Synechocystis sp. (Ss) achieved the highest electrical output equal to 0.45mW/m² while the hydrogel-based BPV cells maintained an average open circuit potential of 0.80V over three days.  On the architectural scale, BPV cells are arranged on tensegrity struts in a rotational symmetric configuration to allow sun exposure and were evaluated by assessing elastic deformation simulated in Karamba3D software, leading to a 26% increase in structural stiffness. Additionally, the integration of BPV cells within the struts induces vibration, reduces cell sedimentation, and promotes cell growth. The above findings guide future research toward optimizing microbial consortia across BPV configurations, scaling production, and exploring novel bio-integrated applications.