Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 14, 2026

Contribution of the Na+/K+ Pump to Rhythmic Bursting, Explored with Modeling and Dynamic Clamp Analyses
Published on: May 9, 2021
Efficient Dynamic Potential Stabilization via a Bioinspired Ion Pump Prevents Sensing Signals Drift
Dandan Lei1,2, Qixiang Zhang2,3, Shulong Li1
1Institute for Advanced Study, Chengdu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
This study introduces an oxygen-driven ion pump inspired by biological systems to power artificial sensors. This innovation overcomes energy depletion, enabling stable, self-powered operation for extended periods.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Materials Science
- Bioinspired Engineering
Background:
- Artificial ion-sensing systems require external power, leading to stability issues due to energy depletion and potential decay.
- Existing systems lack active ion regulation mechanisms found in biological pumps, hindering sustained performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an oxygen-driven bioinspired ion pump to overcome energy supply challenges in potentiometric sensors.
- To emulate biological active transport for sustained electrode potential stability and enhanced ion storage.
Main Methods:
- Exploited oxygen-sensitive O─Zn bonds in NH4+-intercalated V2O5 for Zn2+ extraction and reverse pumping.
- Utilized theoretical simulations to elucidate the mechanism of oxygen-driven ion pumping.
- Constructed and tested a self-powered respiration sensor in ambient air.
Main Results:
- Achieved efficient Zn2+ extraction and reverse pumping in oxygen-rich environments, mimicking biological active transport.
- Demonstrated sustained electrode potential stability and enhanced ion-storage capacity of V2O5.
- The self-powered sensor operated stably for 480 hours with minimal degradation (0.2%) in ambient air, unlike oxygen-free environments (13.9%).
Conclusions:
- An oxygen-driven bioinspired ion-pumping strategy effectively overcomes energy supply limitations in potentiometric sensors.
- This approach offers a novel pathway for developing self-powered, stable ion-sensing systems.
- The bioinspired pump design enhances electrode potential stability and ion-storage capacity.
Related Concept Videos
Resting Potential Decay
At rest, the K+ is the main ion that moves across the membrane through...
ATP Driven Pumps I: An Overview
There are four main types of ATP-driven pumps - P-type, V-type, F-type, and ABC transporter. All these pumps are of varying complexities and are...
The Resting Membrane Potential
Potentiometry: Membrane Electrodes
Generation of Action Potential in Skeletal Muscles
Like neurons, muscle cells are also regarded as excitable due to their capacity to change in response to stimuli, primarily due to voltage-gated ion channels embedded in their plasma membranes, which get activated by alterations in the cell's...
Primary Active Transport

