Integrating Renewable Microbial Fuel Cells in Dual In‐Line Package for Chip‐On‐Board Circuits

Abstract

Single‐use electrical systems represent the future of multiple fields such as diagnostic medical technologies, environmental studies, and biofuel manufacturing with significant advantages over conventional unrecyclable bulky systems that are partly disposable at best. Single‐use systems require miniaturized bio‐friendly energy sources that meet the recyclability or reusability requirement of the application without creating toxic waste. Herein, a storable, scalable, and single‐use electronics‐compatible bio‐battery that is designed and fabricated using completely reusable and recyclable components is developed. The battery is a dual‐in‐line package microbial fuel cell (DIP‐MFC) that can be activated on demand via the introduction of moisture through the anodic fluid chamber. The battery incorporates dormant bacteria cells on an abiotic stainless steel mesh that serves as the anode that attracts electrons being transferred from the biocatalyst. The DIP‐MFC uses the infestation of bacterial biofilm on a conductive anode to harness electrons and deliver electricity to selected circuit pins. A single DIP‐MFC continuously operates for 140 min with a maximum open circuit voltage of 0.55 V, which can be stacked and connected to match the power requirements of targeted electronics. The DIP nature of the proposed bio‐battery allows for simple integration of the MFC on conventional electronics boards through conductive pins.

Unlocking Wearable Microbial Fuel Cells for Advanced Wound Infection Treatment

“…An MFC is a bioelectrochemical system that harnesses the metabolic processes of electricity-generating bacteria to convert chemical energy directly into electrical energy. , Traditionally, MFC technology was focused primarily on macroscale applications, including power generation and wastewater treatment. , However, technological limitations and too-slow progress led to skepticism among researchers regarding the feasibility of large-scale applications. − Concurrently, the miniaturization of MFC technology has emerged as a compelling area of research, garnering significant interest for its potential as an innovative and efficient energy harvester in portable, low-power applications. , Numerous miniature MFCs have been developed, offering promising on-demand power sources for portable electronics, robotic devices, and Internet of Things applications. − Notably, advancements have even enabled small-scale MFCs to operate using human-derived microorganisms and bodily fluids as fuel sources. − Our research group has pioneered the development of wearable MFCs that harness skin microorganisms, demonstrating their capability to generate sufficient energy for electronic devices and biosensors . Specifically, we were the first to use spore-forming B.…”