BBC News said:Their gadget, called a biofuel cell, uses glucose and oxygen at concentrations found in the body to generate electricity.
They are the first group in the world to demonstrate their device working while implanted in a living animal. If all goes to plan, within a decade or two, biofuel cells may be used to power a range of medical implants, from sensors and drug delivery devices to entire artificial organs. All you'll need to do to power them up is eat a candy bar, or drink a coke.
Implants aren't the only place you may find bio fuel cells in the future. The electronics giant Sony recently announced that it had created a biofuel cell fuelled with glucose and water that was capable of powering an MP3 player. "In 10 years time you may see bio fuel cells in laptops and mobile phones," said Prof Willner.
A biofuel cell for prosthetics is a device that uses biochemical reactions to generate electricity, which can then power prosthetic limbs or other medical devices. It is a type of bioelectronic device that combines biology and electronics to create sustainable energy.
A biofuel cell for prosthetics works by using enzymes or microorganisms to catalyze the breakdown of a fuel, such as glucose or ethanol, into electricity. This electricity is then used to power the prosthetic limb, providing a sustainable and renewable source of energy.
There are several benefits to using a biofuel cell for prosthetics. Firstly, it provides a sustainable and renewable source of energy, reducing the need for frequent battery replacements. Additionally, it can also be powered by the body's own glucose, reducing the need for external power sources. Lastly, biofuel cells are biocompatible and non-toxic, making them safe for use in the human body.
One of the main challenges of using a biofuel cell for prosthetics is the limited power output compared to traditional batteries. This can make it difficult to power more complex prosthetic devices. Additionally, the lifespan of the biofuel cell may be limited by the availability of fuel or the degradation of enzymes or microorganisms used in the cell.
While biofuel cells are still in the early stages of development, there have been successful demonstrations of their use in prosthetics. In 2018, a team of researchers from the University of Oxford developed a biofuel cell-powered prosthetic hand that was able to grip and hold objects. However, more research and development is needed before biofuel cells can be widely implemented in prosthetics.