Scientists Have Created a Working Biofuel Battery

We are literally living in a science fiction reality.

ZoomThe BBC is reporting on a fascinating development with repercussions for everything from medicine to video game plotlines. A team at the Joseph Fourier University of Grenoble, led by Dr. Serge Cosnier has developed a working biofuel cell that draws power from glucose and oxygen at levels also found in the human body. Theirbattery was first implanted in a living rat in 2010; after 40 days, it continued to generate a consistent electric current with no measurable psychological or physiological side effects for the rat. It was developed thanks to the recent discovery that the enzyme glucose oxidase is "very efficient at generating electrons," and to the greater availability of carbon nanotubes, allotropes of carbon that demonstrate enormous thermal conductivity.

Though the science behind it is very complex, the battery itself is relatively simple; The team created a paste of two carbon nanotubes, one mixed with glucose oxidase and the other with glucose and polyphenol oxidase (which, oddly enough, is the enzyme responsible for browning in plant life). The current is delivered to the battery's circuit via a platinum wire inserted into the paste, and the battery is wrapped in materials that prevent the components from leaking into the host body, and the host's immune system from rejecting it. If a working biofuel battery could be developed for human use, it would profoundly affect the use of artificial organs and prosthetics. Such devices are currently be powered by bulky batteries that must be replaced periodically. A biofuel cell could be powered by the patients own body, reducing further need for invasive sugery and offering potentially cost-saving as well.

The technology could have tremendous nonmedical benefits as well. Dr Cosnier made the point that "If you were in a country without electricity, and needed to re-charge a bio fuel cell, all you would have to do is add sugar and water.". However, before we get too excited about our cybernetic destiny, it must be noted that direct benefits for humans are still years away. Given the size of the host, the battery used in the rat was quite small and very weak; the team now plans to test a much more powerful batter on cattle, with the eventual goal of creating one suitable for human use. Eventual volunteers are not advised to join Sarif Industries' security team.