Stretchable, Flexible Biofuel Cell Runs on Sweat

Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France, and University of San Diego, CA

Study of the biofuel cell’s mechanical and electrochemical resistance under 20 percent stretching in 2D directions. (Image: Xiaohong Chen, Département de chimie moléculaire, CNRS/Université Grenoble Alpes)

A flexible and stretchable cell has been developed for wearable electronic devices that require a reliable and efficient energy source that can easily be integrated into the human body. Conductive material consisting of carbon nanotubes, crosslinked polymers, and enzymes joined by stretchable connectors, are directly printed onto the material through screenprinting.

The biofuel cell, which follows deformations in the skin, produces electrical energy through the reduction of oxygen and the oxidation of the lactate present in perspiration.

Study of the biofuel cell’s mechanical and electrochemical resistance under stretching in 2D Image of the wearable biofuel cell applied to the arm, powering a diode attached to the black armband on the forearm. (Image: Xiaohong Chen, Département de chimie moléculaire, CNRS/ Université Grenoble Alpes)

Once applied to the arm, this stretchable cell uses a voltage booster to continuously power a light-emitting diode (LED).

It is relatively simple and inexpensive to produce, with the primary cost being the production of the enzymes that transform the compounds found in sweat. The researchers are working to amplify the voltage provided by the biofuel cell in order to power larger portable devices.

For more information, contact Serge Cosnier at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; +33 456-520-810.