Fizzy Drinks Could Power Mitochondria Biofuel Cells

US scientists have described new biofuel cell technology that could run on fizzy drinks to power electric devices like laptops and mobile phones.

The biofuel cell works on the same principle as a natural process that takes place in living organisms including humans and, according to the scientists, this makes it unique among contemporary alternative fuel technologies.

Biofuel Cells

Details of the device were unveiled at the end of August 2010 at the National Meeting of the American Chemical Society, and those present were told how – ultimately - the biofuel cells could consign batteries to the history books.

“This is the first demonstration of a new class of biofuel cells”, St Louis University representative Shelley Minteer explained. “When further developed, these devices have the potential for replacing disposable and rechargeable batteries in a wide variety of consumer electronics and other products.

“It is the first such device based on one of the microscopic parts of the billions upon billions of cells that make up the body.”

Mitochondria Cells

The microscopic parts she referred to are mitochondria, the role of which is to produce energy from food absorbed by cells. In so doing, mitochondria draw on a chemical known as pyruvate to create so-called ATP: Adenosine Triphosphate.

ATP has an energy storage function and its daily production and recycle rates in humans occur at a level comparable to the body weight of the person involved.

Based on this system, it’s not inconceivable to envisage that cell phones, laptops and the like could be refuelled and reenergised using oils or fats, the scientists explained.

The university’s mitochondria fuel cell demonstrator is made up of a pair of electrodes pushed up against a thin mitochondria layer in a sandwich-like arrangement. According to trial results, the device has been found to be capable of drawing on food sources to create electricity.

Beyond being used as battery equivalents, the mitochondria fuel cells could also be valuable within many other settings. For example, they could power small-scale explosive detection devices or environmental assessment gadgets.

Enviro News will present further coverage of these potentially revolutionary devices as future facts emerge.

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