Scientists at the Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (IBN) in Singapore have developed the first urine-activated paper battery for use in biochip devices. Intended for use in low-cost, disposable, healthcare test-kits for diseases such as diabetes it provides a power source which is as compact and inexpensive as modern sensor technology.
IBN’s battery unit comprises of a cathode sandwiched between an anode and an electron-collecting layer. This multi-layer unit is then held in place via a lamination process, which involves passing the battery unit between a pair of transparent plastic films through a heating roller at 120ºC. The final product has a dimension of 60 mm x 30 mm, and a thickness of 1 mm. Studies have been conducted to characterize the urine-activated battery. Using 0.2ml of urine, IBN researchers were able to generate sufficient voltage to power the device and conduct effective analysis of analytes in the biofluid (urine).
via Gizmag
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