Improvement of bacterial hydrogen production by ATP in mixed organic compounds extracted from Rhodobacter sphaeroides aerobically cultured under dark conditions

► The highest level of ATP was observed in R. sphaeroides grown under anaerobic dark. ► H2 production in recombinant Escherichia coli with extracts was 2.5-fold higher than control. ► ATP is probably an important factor promoting H2 production of recombinant E. Coli.