Paper-based batteries powered by spit

It was very unlikely for someone to expect that some day we might have a type of paper battery that could be powered by our own spit. However, researchers from Binghamton University have made this possible.

The team successfully created high-performance, paper-based batteries that are bacteria-powered from our own saliva and can be used in environments where normal batteries cannot function. With just a minute quantity of spit, the battery can power an LED light for almost 20 minutes. However, this battery is not only limited to lighting up diodes.

As Futurism reports, this new technology could be used for various purposes, especially for underdeveloped nations. People could possibly use these kinds of batteries for powering different medical gadgets like pregnancy tests, HIV tests, glucose monitors and other devices.

The batteries contain the ability to be easily and cheaply assembled and anyone can power the device. The batteries also can be powered using little dirty water for those who lack functionary salivary glands.

As their research published in Advanced Materials Technology reports, the batteries are created using only paper, carbon and printing wax. One of the researchers Seokheun Choi informed Nexus Media, “The battery includes specialized bacterial cells, called exoelectrogens, which have the ability to harvest electrons externally to the outside electrode. For the long-term storage, the bacterial cells are freeze-dried until use. This battery can even be used in challenging environmental conditions like desert areas. All you need is an organic matter to rehydrate and activate the freeze-dried cells.”