Nano-biosupercapacitors enable autarkic sensor operation in blood

Yeji Lee, Vineeth Kumar Bandari (), Zhe Li, Mariana Medina-Sánchez, Manfred F. Maitz, Daniil Karnaushenko, Mikhail V. Tsurkan, Dmitriy D. Karnaushenko and Oliver G. Schmidt ()
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Yeji Lee: Chemnitz University of Technology
Vineeth Kumar Bandari: Chemnitz University of Technology
Zhe Li: Chemnitz University of Technology
Mariana Medina-Sánchez: Institute for Integrative Nanosciences, Leibniz IFW Dresden
Manfred F. Maitz: Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V.
Daniil Karnaushenko: Institute for Integrative Nanosciences, Leibniz IFW Dresden
Mikhail V. Tsurkan: Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V.
Dmitriy D. Karnaushenko: Institute for Integrative Nanosciences, Leibniz IFW Dresden
Oliver G. Schmidt: Chemnitz University of Technology

Nature Communications, 2021, vol. 12, issue 1, 1-10

Abstract: Abstract Today’s smallest energy storage devices for in-vivo applications are larger than 3 mm3 and lack the ability to continuously drive the complex functions of smart dust electronic and microrobotic systems. Here, we create a tubular biosupercapacitor occupying a mere volume of 1/1000 mm3 (=1 nanoliter), yet delivering up to 1.6 V in blood. The tubular geometry of this nano-biosupercapacitor provides efficient self-protection against external forces from pulsating blood or muscle contraction. Redox enzymes and living cells, naturally present in blood boost the performance of the device by 40% and help to solve the self-discharging problem persistently encountered by miniaturized supercapacitors. At full capacity, the nano-biosupercapacitors drive a complex integrated sensor system to measure the pH-value in blood. This demonstration opens up opportunities for next generation intravascular implants and microrobotic systems operating in hard-to-reach small spaces deep inside the human body.

Date: 2021
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24863-6

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