Stretchable biofuel cells as wearable textile-based self-powered sensors

Author(s)

Jeerapan, Itthipon ; Sempionatto, Juliane R. ; Pavinatto, Adriana ; You, Jung-Min ; Wang, Joseph

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A; v. 4, n. 47, p. 18342-18353, DEC 21 2016.
• Web of Science Citations: 49

Abstract

Highly stretchable textile-based biofuel cells (BFCs), acting as effective self-powered sensors, have been fabricated using screen-printing of customized stress-enduring inks. Due to the synergistic effects of nanomaterial-based engineered inks and the serpentine designs, these printable bioelectronic devices endure severe mechanical deformations, e.g., stretching, indentation, or torsional twisting. Glucose and lactate BFCs with single-enzyme and membrane-free configurations generated the maximum power densities of 160 and 250 mu W cm(-2) with the open circuit voltages of 0.44 and 0.46 V, respectively. The textile-BFCs were able to withstand repeated severe mechanical deformations with minimal impact on its structural integrity, as was indicated from their stable power output after 100 cycles of 100% stretching. By providing power signals proportional to the sweat fuel concentration, these stretchable devices act as highly selective and stable self-powered textile sensors. Their applicability to sock-based BFCs and self-powered biosensors and mechanically compliant operations was demonstrated on human subjects. These stretchable skin-worn ``scavenge-sense-display{''} devices are expected to contribute to the development of skin-worn energy harvesting systems, advanced non-invasive self-powered sensors and wearable electronics on a stretchable garment. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 15/08033-0 - Development os wearable electrochemical sensors and biosensors
• Grantee: Adriana Pavinatto da Costa
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor