Microbial Fuel Cell (MFCs) becoming capable to provide continuous sustainable energy to power wireless ensors networks and underwater sensors

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs), generate electric energy by converting chemical energy from organic compounds through catalytic reactions by microorganisms. Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are envisioned as one of the most promising alternative renewable energy sources because they can generate electric current continuously while treating waste. While these cells individually produce less than a volt (0.6V to 0.3V), their source of electricity is organic matter (waste food, fallen leaves, etc.) which makes them ideal for converting waste to electricity.

Scientists have developed a new skin patch, a flexible square just a couple of centimetres across that sticks to skin has used only sweat to power a radio for two days. “We’re now getting really impressive power levels,” Joseph Wang at the University of California-San Diego, who was on the team that worked on the technology, told the magazine. “If you were out for a run, you would be able to power a mobile device.” Wang and his colleagues used the lactate found in sweat to power their particular biofuel cell. The amount of lactate or lactic acid in sweat is also related to how efficiently a person’s muscles are working, so could help give readings on an athlete’s performance during exercise.