Abstract: An electrode having a plurality of connected strands retained by a current collector is described. A connected strand has first and second ends that are retained by a current collector, and may be retained at different locations along the length of the current collector. A connected strand retained by the current collector in substantially the same location along the current collector, is a looped strand. A connected strand provides two paths for current to move through the strand to the current collector and may therefore provide lower resistance than a free strand having only one end coupled to the current collector. Furthermore, a connected may move less as a function of fluid forces and retain more bio-film in turbulent conditions than free strands. Finally, a connected strand has no free extended end and therefore is less likely to puncture through an ion conductive membrane.