Single glucose biofuel cells implanted in rats power electronic devices

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Implantable electronic devices require reliable, long-term power sources.
• Existing power sources often face limitations such as finite lifespan or need for external recharging.
• Biofuel cells offer a promising alternative by converting biological fuels into electrical energy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate the first implantable glucose biofuel cell (GBFC) capable of powering electronic devices using mammalian body fluids.
• To assess the power generation capabilities and biocompatibility of the novel GBFC in a living organism.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a GBFC utilizing carbon nanotube/enzyme electrodes with glucose oxidase and laccase.
• Implantation of the GBFC into the abdominal cavity of a rat.
• Measurement of open-circuit voltage, power output, power density, and volumetric power.
• Testing the ability of the GBFC to power a light-emitting diode (LED) and a digital thermometer.
• Monitoring the implantation site for signs of rejection or inflammation over 110 days.

Main Results:

• The implanted GBFC generated an average open-circuit voltage of 0.57 V.
• A power output of 38.7 μW was achieved, with a power density of 193.5 μW cm⁻² and volumetric power of 161 μW mL⁻¹.
• A single GBFC successfully powered an LED and a digital thermometer.
• No signs of rejection or inflammation were observed after 110 days of implantation.

Conclusions:

• The developed implantable glucose biofuel cell is the first to generate sufficient power from body fluids to operate electronic devices.
• The GBFC demonstrates excellent biocompatibility and sustained power output in vivo.
• This technology holds significant potential for self-powered implantable medical devices and biosensors.