Add to favorites

#Industry News

U.S. Researchers Create a Novel Bacteria-Powered Paper Battery

Researchers from the State University of New York, Binghamton, have developed a new paper battery that runs on bacteria.

According to the researchers, the battery could prove indispensable in remote areas of the world or in regions suffering from natural calamities or disasters.

“Paper has unique advantages as a material for biosensors,” says team lead Seokheun Choi. “It is inexpensive, disposable, flexible and has a high surface area. However, sophisticated sensors require a power supply. Commercial batteries are too wasteful and expensive, and they can’t be integrated into paper substrates. The best solution is a paper-based bio-battery.”

Researchers have previously developed disposable paper-based biosensors for cheap and convenient diagnosis of diseases and health conditions, as well as for detecting contaminants in the environment.

Many such devices rely on color changes to report a result, but they often aren’t very sensitive. To boost sensitivity, the biosensors need a power supply.

Choi’s goal was to develop an inexpensive paper battery powered by bacteria that could be easily incorporated into these single-use devices.

He and his team hence made a paper battery by printing thin layers of metals and other materials onto a paper surface.

They then placed freeze-dried ‘exoelectrogens’ on the paper. Exoelectrogens are a special type of bacteria that can transfer electrons outside of their cells.

The electrons, which are generated when the bacteria make energy for themselves, pass through the cell membrane. They can then make contact with external electrodes and power the battery.

The researchers contend that the battery can be activated by adding water or saliva, which, within a couple of minutes revives the bacteria, producing enough electrons to power a light-emitting diode and a calculator.

According to Choi, the paper battery currently has a shelf-life of about four months, can be used once and then thrown away.

His team is however working on improving the survival and performance of the freeze-dried bacteria, which could enable a longer shelf life.

Details

  • 4400 Vestal Pkwy E, Binghamton, NY 13902, USA
  • State University of New York