Metabolic Bio-inspired Batteries

The development of a bio-fuel cells are very important power source alternative for stand-alone sensors, implantable devices, biodegradable batteries, being light, cost-effective and catalytically very active. A specially formulated redox polymer will besynthesized and co-immobilized with an oxidoreductase on the surface of the electrodes. The redox polymer will be produced by synthesizing a polymerizable monomer containing an electron acceptor/donor group, in this case organometallic complexes of Ru orOs. This polymer will enhance the stability of the enzyme, increase the electron transfer rate between electrodes and boost the reliability of the bio-fuel cell. This Phase I will: (i) develop the proof-of-concept design to produce usable energy from abiological source (ii) determine the initial working conditions(temperature, pH, solution concentration) and limitations for the biological battery.Development of this technology will make the transition from the actual batteries to the biological ones for stand-alone sensors. With the right design, the bio-fuel cell can be used to power up implantable devices which will work based on the glucosecontent of the blood (pacemakers, glucose monitors).