Stretchable Biofuel Cells as Wearable Textile-based Self-Powered Sensors

Area of Science:

• Bioelectronics
• Wearable Technology
• Energy Harvesting

Background:

• Textile-based biofuel cells (BFCs) are explored for self-powered sensing applications.
• Mechanical durability and stability are critical challenges for wearable bioelectronic devices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate highly stretchable textile-based BFCs using screen-printing techniques.
• To evaluate the mechanical robustness and sensing performance of these BFCs under various deformations.
• To demonstrate their potential as self-powered sensors for monitoring biological fuels in wearable systems.

Main Methods:

• Screen-printing of custom, stress-enduring inks onto textile substrates.
• Incorporation of nanomaterials and serpentine designs for enhanced mechanical resilience.
• Fabrication of single-enzyme, membrane-free glucose and lactate BFCs.
• Testing of mechanical deformation (stretching, indentation, twisting) and power output stability.

Main Results:

• Achieved maximum power densities of 160 µW cm⁻² (glucose) and 250 µW cm⁻² (lactate) with open circuit voltages of 0.44 V and 0.46 V, respectively.
• Demonstrated exceptional mechanical stability, with minimal power output degradation after 100 cycles of 100% stretching.
• Confirmed stable and selective sensing capabilities, with power output proportional to sweat fuel concentration.

Conclusions:

• Developed highly stretchable and durable textile-based BFCs suitable for wearable applications.
• These BFCs function effectively as self-powered, non-invasive sensors for biological fuels.
• The technology shows promise for skin-worn energy harvesting, advanced biosensing, and integration into smart garments.