BACKGROUNDElectroactive microorganisms generate current in microbial fuel cells by oxidizing organic compounds and transferring the electrons to an anode. Thereby the adsorption of cells to the electrode is the first step in the process of biofilm formation. RESULTSA comparison of different electrode materials showed that activated carbon fabric has the best cell adsorption properties for the simple and strong attachment of Shewanella oneidensis cells to the electrode material under aerobic and non-electrochemical conditions. A preadsorbed anode (20cm(2)) contained 18mg of cell biomass (OD600=0.3) and reached a current density of 4.25Acm(-2). Under anaerobic conditions the adsorption to the activated carbon fabric was much less, however the current density was with 6.5Acm(-2) (OD600=0.3) and 7.75Acm(-2) (OD600=0.9) higher as under aerobic adsorption conditions. CONCLUSIONActivated carbon fabric is, due to its cell adsorption property and electrical conductivity, good for MFC applications. The material allows cell reproduction directly on the anode which is important for single- or multi-layer biofilm formation. (c) 2018 Society of Chemical Industry