A membrane-, mediator-, cofactor-less glucose/oxygen biofuel cell.

Area of Science:

• Bioelectrochemistry
• Enzyme-based biosensors
• Renewable energy technologies

Background:

• Enzyme biofuel cells offer a promising avenue for sustainable energy generation.
• Mediator and cofactor-free designs are desirable for simplified and efficient operation.
• Direct bioelectrocatalysis by adsorbed enzymes is a key strategy for enhancing biofuel cell performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate and characterize a non-compartmentalized, mediator- and cofactor-free glucose-oxygen biofuel cell.
• To utilize adsorbed cellobiose dehydrogenase and laccase for direct anodic and cathodic bioelectrocatalysis.
• To evaluate the electrochemical performance and operational stability of the developed biofuel cell.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a biofuel cell using adsorbed cellobiose dehydrogenase (from Dichomera saubinetii) and laccase (from Trametes hirsuta).
• Electrochemical characterization including open-circuit voltage (OCV) and power density measurements.
• Stability testing in a standard buffer solution under operational conditions.

Main Results:

• The biofuel cell achieved an open-circuit voltage of 0.73 V.
• A maximum power density of 5 microW cm(-2) was recorded at a cell voltage of 0.5 V.
• An estimated half-life exceeding 38 hours was observed in air-saturated buffer.

Conclusions:

• The developed enzyme-based biofuel cell demonstrates efficient direct bioelectrocatalysis without mediators or cofactors.
• The device exhibits promising electrochemical performance and operational stability.
• This work contributes to the advancement of sustainable biofuel cell technology.