Sweat-Powered Biofilm

A team of researchers from the University of Massachusetts (UMass) Amherst has developed a groundbreaking biofilm that can generate electricity from perspiration. The biofilm, resembling a bandage, harnesses the energy from sweat evaporation to power wearable devices.

The innovative design capitalises on the process of sweat evaporation by using a biofilm made of bacteria to convert the energy into electricity. This breakthrough technology has been hailed as a significant and previously untapped source of renewable energy. Lead author of the study, Xiaomeng Liu, described it as "totally green energy."

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Unlike conventional manufacturing methods that often produce harmful byproducts and emissions, the biofilm is created naturally by microbes. The team used bacteria previously employed in microbial batteries to create the biofilm. The biofilm, sandwiched between electrodes and a sticky polymer, forms a small square, similar in size to a postage stamp, that can adhere to the wearer's skin.

Derek Lovley, one of the paper's authors, explained that the new approach significantly simplifies the process of generating electricity. By growing the cells in a biofilm and utilising this agglomeration of cells, the energy input is reduced, making the technology more efficient and versatile for various applications.

During tests, the biofilm successfully powered small electronic devices such as LCD screens. The researchers plan to further explore the capabilities of the biofilm by scaling up its size and evaluating its potential to power more complex wearable electronics.

The team's findings were published in the journal Nature, showcasing the immense potential of sweat-powered biofilms to revolutionise the field of wearable electronics and provide a sustainable energy solution for future technologies.

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