Nano-biosupercapacitors enable autarkic sensor operation in blood

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Yeji Lee - , Chemnitz University of Technology, Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden (Author)
  • Vineeth Kumar Bandari - , Chemnitz University of Technology, Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden (Author)
  • Zhe Li - , Chemnitz University of Technology, Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden (Author)
  • Mariana Medina-Sánchez - , Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden (Author)
  • Manfred F. Maitz - , Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden (Author)
  • Daniil Karnaushenko - , Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden (Author)
  • Mikhail V. Tsurkan - , Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden (Author)
  • Dmitriy D. Karnaushenko - , Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden (Author)
  • Oliver G. Schmidt - , Chemnitz University of Technology, Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden, TUD Dresden University of Technology (Author)

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 languageEnglish
Article number4967
JournalNature communications
Volume12
Issue number1
Publication statusPublished - 1 Dec 2021
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

PubMed 34426576