The biocompatibility of biofuel cells operating inside the body

Abstract

In 1968 Wolfson et al. published the concept for producing energy inside the body using catalytic electrodes exposed to the body fluid as an electrolyte and utilising naturally occurring fuels such as glucose. Since then, the technology has advanced to enhance the levels of power using enzymes immobilised within three-dimensional bioelectrodes that are nanostructured. Current research in the field of enzymatic fuel cells is directed toward applying electrochemical and nanostructural expertise to increase the energy density, to increase the power density, to increase the operational stability, and to increase the voltage output. Nonetheless, biocompatibility remains the major challenge for increasing the life-time for implanted enzymatic biofuel cells. Here, we discuss the current issues for biocompatibility and suggest directions to enhance the design of biofuel cells so as to increase the life-time of implantation whilst maintaining sufficient performance to provide power for implanted medical devices.

3D printed cathodes for implantable abiotic biofuel cells

“…The bioanode was fabricated according to procedures described in our previous study [44]. The FQDGDH enzyme was selected since it does not use oxygen as electron acceptor without competing with the cathode [45].…”

“…1 the hybrid biofuel cell was protected by a PVA membrane with a sandwich-like design. The surrounding PVA acts as a biocompatible and porous interface between the biofuel cell and the body [44]. This setup was dried overnight then sterilized using gamma radiation (60Co source).…”

Bio‐fuel cell for medical device energy system: A review

“…Biotic and abiotic fuel cells use the body fluid glucose as fuel for implanted devices. [34] This paper addressed research into the application of electrochemical and nano structural knowledge for enzymatic fuel cells to enhance energy and power density, operating reliability, and voltage performance. In addition, this paper also highlights the existing biocompatibility problems and proposes ways to improve the design of biofuel cells.…”

“…These developments extend around the energy system, energy harvesting, board-application, design, infrastructure, connectivity, and security components. [33][34][35]72 In the next section, further discussion is focused on the energy system of implantable and in-vitro medical devices as shown in Figure 9.…”

“…In order to support the recent phenomena of the medical ecosystem, researchers have suggested many technology innovative and workable proposals to develop and improve the existing medical devices. These developments extend around the energy system, energy harvesting, board‐application, design, infrastructure, connectivity, and security components 33‐35,72 …”