Researchers are developing a paper and spittle bateria

Newly developed battery is powered by saliva
Researchers have now developed a new high-performance battery based on paper and powered by saliva. This new battery can be used in extreme conditions, even if normal batteries would stop working.

Binghamton University scientists in the US developed a battery by combining microbial fuel cells with inactive, freeze-dried cells. After adding saliva, this battery can generate energy. The experts published the results of their study in the journal "Advanced Materials Technologies".

Medical professionals are now able to develop a battery powered by saliva. This paper-based type of battery can operate, for example, so-called Point of Care (POC) diagnostic platforms. (Photo: Alexander Potapov / fotolia.com)

Already a drop of saliva leads to energy production
The newly developed battery reliably generates energy with just one drop of saliva. This battery can be used by the next generation of so-called Point of Care (POC) diagnostic platforms, explain the physicians.

Saliva is readily available everywhere
The battery has clear advantages over other conventional power-generating solutions because the biological fluid is readily available to activate the on-demand battery even with otherwise limited resources.

Freeze-drying allows long-term storage of cells
The use of freeze-drying technology enables long-term storage of cells without deterioration of the material or denaturation, say the experts. A so-called denaturation refers to a structural change of biomolecules, which leads to a loss of the biological function of the molecules, without changing the primary structure.

Especially in developing countries, the new battery could be used
In particular, POC diagnostic applications in developing countries require on-demand microenergy generation, says author Professor Seokheun Choi of Binghamton University. Typically, these applications require only a minimal amount of energy to operate for several minutes. However, commercial batteries or other energy technologies are too expensive and over-qualified. In addition, they are a burden on the environment, adds Professor Choi.

The performance of the battery still needs to be improved
Scientists continue to focus on improving the power density of the newly developed battery, so that more applications can be powered in the future.

16 microbial fuel cells could operate an LED diode
A total of 16 microbial fuel cells connected in a row on a single sheet of paper have generated the desired levels of electrical current and voltage to power an LED diode, say researchers from the US. For other electronic applications, however, a performance improvement is required. (As)