Kulkarni T., Mburu N., Slaughter G.
University of Maryland Baltimore County, US
Keywords: biofuel cells, diabetes, glucose monitor, self-powered
Glucose substrates are successfully harnessed to generate electricity in a membraneless biofuel cell with a mesh-network of carbon nanotubes pyroquinoline quinone glucose dehydrogenase-modified anode and a laccase-modified cathode. Using glucose as a substrate, this glucose-oxygen biofuel cell is able to produce a steady current density of 202 µA cm-2 and an open circuit voltage of 681 mV. Interestingly, the BFC in combination with a capacitor as the transducer element can also be utilize as a glucose monitor while generating electricity simultaneously to power small electronic devices, such as light emitting diode (LED). Moreover, the self-powered glucose monitor exhibited a linear dynamic range of 9 mg/dl to 630 mg/dl glucose. These results and device demonstrations suggest that further research into self-powered glucose monitors can provide major benefit in developing a novel autonomous implantable glucose monitor platform to greatly improve the quality of live for individuals living with diabetes.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 2, Materials for Energy, Efficiency and Sustainability: TechConnect Briefs 2016
Published: May 22, 2016
Pages: 193 - 196
Industry sectors: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing | Energy & Sustainability
Topic: Biofuels & Bioproducts
ISBN: 978-0-9975-1171-0