Electrophysiological Characterization of Antibiotic Resistant Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Using A Simple Microbial Fuel Cells

Ewansiha U. J; Mohammed A.J; Jerusha S. T; NazIru I. Z; Asif B. B; Corresponding author

doi:10.56201/rjpst.vol.9.no6.2026.pg127.135

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Electrophysiological Characterization of Antibiotic Resistant Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Using A Simple Microbial Fuel Cells

Ewansiha U. J, Mohammed A.J, Jerusha S. T, NazIru I. Z, and Asif B. B, Corresponding author

Abstract

Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an important opportunistic pathogen associated with hospital-acquired infections and increasing antimicrobial resistance. Conventional antimicrobial susceptibility testing requires 18–24 hours, resulting in delayed treatment decisions. Bio electrochemical systems provide an alternative approach by detecting bacterial metabolism through electrical signals. This study investigated the electrophysiological characteristics of antibiotic-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa using a simple microbial fuel cell and cyclic voltammetry for rapid detection of antimicrobial resistance. Methods: A total of 200 clinical specimens were collected from three hospitals in Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria. Isolation and identification of P. aeruginosa were carried out using standard microbiological and biochemical methods. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion method according to CLSI guidelines. Electrogenic activity was evaluated using a dual-chamber microbial fuel cell by measuring open-circuit voltage . Results: Ten (5.0%) P. aeruginosa isolates were recovered from the 200 clinical specimens. Urine yielded the highest number of isolates (15%), followed by wound swabs (10%). High resistance was observed against ciprofloxacin (90%), amoxicillin (80%), and streptomycin (80%). All isolates generated measurable electrical signals, with OCV values ranging from 317.16 ± 3.94 mV to 591.36 ± 1.14 mV. No significant differences were observed between voltage generated in the presence and absence of antibiotics (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Antibiotic-resistant P. aeruginosa exhibited strong electrogenic activity that was successfully detected using a simple microbial fuel cell. The findings demonstrate the potential of bio electrochemical systems as rapid, low-cost diagnostic tools for antimicrobial susceptibility testing in clinical laboratories.

Keywords

Pseudomonas aeruginosaantimicrobial resistancemicrobial fuel cellbio electrochemical system.

References

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Electrophysiological Characterization of Antibiotic Resistant Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Using A Simple Microbial Fuel Cells

Abstract

Keywords

References

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