5. This spit-powered battery could expand diagnostics in developing countries
[Image from Binghamton University]
Binghamton University electrical and computer science assistant professor Seokheun Choi has spent the last five years developing micro-power sources that can be used in resource-limited regions for diagnostic biosensors. Choi has previously developed other paper-based bacteria-powered sensors.
Choi and a team of researchers built microbial fuel cells using inactive, freeze-dried exoelectrogenic cells that are able to create power within minutes of being exposed to spit. In turn, the fuel cells were able to create a paper-based and bacteria-powered battery.
The battery created power using one drop of saliva and was able to give power that could be used in disposable, paper-based point of care diagnostics.
