Urine-Powered Batteries

William Chee
Contributing Writer, RealTechNews

Singapore scientists at the Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (IBN) have developed the first urine-activated paper battery, making it the perfect power source for cheap, credit card-sized disposable healthcare test-kits for diseases such as diabetes.

According to IBN Principal Research Scientist Dr. Ki Bang Lee who heads the team, a drop of urine placed on the battery will generate enough electricity to power a biochip device, enabling the latter to analyze the urine sample for specific disease biomarkers.

“We are striving to develop cheap, disposable credit card-sized biochips for disease detection,” said Dr. Lee. “Our battery can be easily integrated into such devices, supplying electricity upon contact with biofluids such as urine.”

“Our urine-activated battery would be integrated into biochip systems for healthcare diagnostic applications,” said Dr. Lee. He envisions a world where people will be able to monitor their health easily at home, seeking medical attention only when necessary. “These fully integrated biochip systems have a huge market potential,” he added.

The urine battery unit comprises of a cathode sandwiched between an anode and an electron-collecting layer. When a droplet of urine (0.2ml) is placed on the device, the capillary force drives the urine into the cathode layer and the battery is activated.

Source with more illustrations and photos: DigitalCamera@101reviews