Thermotoga neapolitana is a hyperthermophilic bacterium capable of metabolizing glucose and various organic wastes into hydrogen and lactate at a temperature of 80°C. Its high performance in hydrogen production at such a high temperature suggests its potential use in energy applications where hydrogen is a crucial element in the process. With this in mind, an experiment was conducted on a strain of T. neapolitana in dual-chamber electrochemical systems. The aim was to explore the interaction of these bacteria with the anode and cathode, highlighting their ability to survive in the presence of a polarized electrode that can drastically alter the pH of the medium.

A culture enriched with 5 g/L of glucose, under CO2 pressure (80°C), was used to fill both the anodic and cathodic compartments of the electrochemical system, applying a voltage of 1.5 V between the anode and cathode. The test lasted for ten days. The results clearly indicate that the bacteria colonize both electrodes, but glucose metabolism is completely inhibited in the anodic compartments. Conversely, metabolism is stimulated in the cathodic compartment. The bacteria remain viable on the electrodes within a pH range of 3-9.