Made in E. coli cells

Researchers at the University of Greifswald in Germany found that a carbohydrate-equivalent E. coli can convert carbohydrates into alcohol, acids, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen in an oxygen-free environment. Using these features, the researchers made batteries using this E. coli as a raw material in the laboratory.
The researchers first collected the E. coli and used it as a miniature “hydrogen manufacturing plant,” after which the hydrogen produced by the “manufacturer” was introduced into a raw material containing oxygen. Hydrogen can release a large amount of negative charges when interacting with oxygen-containing raw materials. Inside the vessel where this chemical reaction takes place, there is a white gold texture anode that can conduct electricity. It can make the negative charge released during the reaction flow to the anode, forming a current of 150 mA. The polyaniline coating on the platinum anode surface retards the corrosion of the anode by the chemical reactants. Every 20 minutes, platinum anodes remove impurities accumulated on the anode in a sudden increase in voltage.
The experimental battery made using the above process can work continuously for several hours. Researchers believe that if we can further improve the process, it will be possible to make batteries using bacteria as raw materials to power small medical appliances.