Nano-biosupercapacitors enable autarkic sensor operation in blood
Research output: Contribution to journal › Research article › Contributed › peer-review
Contributors
Abstract
Today’s smallest energy storage devices for in-vivo applications are larger than 3 mm3 and lack the ability to continuously drive the complex functions of smart dust electronic and microrobotic systems. Here, we create a tubular biosupercapacitor occupying a mere volume of 1/1000 mm3 (=1 nanoliter), yet delivering up to 1.6 V in blood. The tubular geometry of this nano-biosupercapacitor provides efficient self-protection against external forces from pulsating blood or muscle contraction. Redox enzymes and living cells, naturally present in blood boost the performance of the device by 40% and help to solve the self-discharging problem persistently encountered by miniaturized supercapacitors. At full capacity, the nano-biosupercapacitors drive a complex integrated sensor system to measure the pH-value in blood. This demonstration opens up opportunities for next generation intravascular implants and microrobotic systems operating in hard-to-reach small spaces deep inside the human body.
Details
Original language | English |
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Article number | 4967 |
Journal | Nature communications |
Volume | 12 |
Issue number | 1 |
Publication status | Published - 1 Dec 2021 |
Peer-reviewed | Yes |
External IDs
PubMed | 34426576 |
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