ABSTRACT Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have emerged as bioelectrochemical systems that directly link renewable energy generation with sustainable waste management by converting organic waste into electricity through microbial metabolic activity. This review critically examines recent advancements in MFC technology, with particular emphasis on substrates, extracellular electron transfer mechanisms, biofilm engineering, and genetic and synthetic biology approaches that have significantly improved bioelectricity generation and system performance. Developments in plant‐MFCs, hybrid energy systems, and three‐dimensional conductive electrodes are highlighted as key strategies for enhancing long‐term stability and practical applicability. Despite these advances, challenges related to low power density, material cost, operational variability, and scale‐up limitations continue to restrict widespread distribution of MFCs. To address these concerns, the review provides a comparative and global feasibility analysis, considering regional waste availability, environmental conditions, technological readiness, and policy frameworks. By integrating microbial, material, and system‐level perspectives, this review positions MFCs as promising components of circular economy and zero‐waste energy systems, while identifying critical research gaps that must be addressed for their successful transition from laboratory‐scale studies to real‐world applications.
Manam et al. (Sun,) studied this question.