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Electroantennography-based Bio-hybrid Odor-detecting Drone using Silkmoth Antennae for Odor Source Localization
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Biofuel cell backpacked insect and its application to wireless sensing.

Kan Shoji1, Yoshitake Akiyama1, Masato Suzuki2

  • 1Department of Mechanical Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.

Biosensors & Bioelectronics
|December 15, 2015
PubMed
Summary

Cockroaches can now power devices using a backpackable biofuel cell (BFC). This insect-mountable BFC generates electricity from trehalose in hemolymph, demonstrating potential for powering small electronic devices.

Keywords:
Glucose dehydrogenaseInsect hemolymphLiving batteryTrehalaseTrehalose biofuel cellWireless communication

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Area of Science:

  • Biotechnology
  • Bioelectronics
  • Insect-based power generation

Background:

  • Traditional batteries face limitations in miniaturization and sustainability.
  • Developing novel, self-sustaining power sources is crucial for micro-robotics and wearable electronics.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To design and evaluate an insect-mountable enzymatic biofuel cell (imBFC) powered by cockroach hemolymph.
  • To assess the power generation capabilities and potential applications of the imBFC.

Main Methods:

  • Fabrication of an imBFC using 3D printing technology.
  • Electrochemical characterization of the anode using specific enzymes and mediators.
  • Evaluation of the imBFC's power output and performance.

Main Results:

  • Achieved an oxidation current of 1.18 mAcm(-2) at +0.6 V.
  • Obtained a maximum power output of 333 μW (285 μW cm(-2)) at 0.5 V.
  • Successfully powered an LED and a wireless temperature and humidity sensor.

Conclusions:

  • The imBFC demonstrates significant potential as a sustainable power source for insect cyborgs and ubiquitous robots.
  • Enzymatic biofuel cells offer a promising alternative to conventional batteries for micro-scale electronic applications.