A Novel, Bio-inspired Advanced Microfluidic Power System (BioAMPS)

Our overall objective is to develop (design, fabricate, demonstrate) a Bio-inspired Advanced Microfluidic Power System (BioAMPS) to extract energy from biofuels. We successfully met all Phase I goals and demonstrated a novel, proprietary enzymatic cathode and a microbial anode. We enhanced electron transfer efficiencies via specially engineered electrodes and achieved an order of magnitude increase in power density, with a size reduction of two orders of magnitude. Detailed theoretical analysis and prototype characterization identified critical, performance-limiting issues and accomplished a preliminary design for an integrated prototype. Building on this success, the Phase II effort will focus on further optimization of the anode/cathode half-cells and design and development of an integrated lightweight biobattery system prototype. The effect of critical parameters, such as electrode configuration, mediator, fuel on power output, and storage/operational considerations will be thoroughly investigated, with emphasis on the design and integration of ancillary units (air/water management system, fuel supply, electrical components) critical for stand-alone operation. Demonstration of sustained power for low-power applications in the Objective Force Warrior (OFW) suite is planned. Several organizations (e.g. Motorola) have expressed strong interest in licensing and commercializing this technology for microelectronics applications. We have assembled a multidisciplinary (industry, academic, and advisory personnel from the Army) team with proven expertise in biomicrosystems engineering, bioelectrochemistry, microfabrication, and army end-use and commercial needs.