Advanced Self-Powered Biofuel Cells with Capacitor and Nanogenerator for Biomarker Sensing

Abstract

Self-powered biofuel cells (BFCs) have evolved for highly sensitive detection of biomarkers such as noncodon micro ribonucleic acids (miRNAs) in the presence of interfering substrates. Self-charging supercapacitive BFCs for in vivo and in vitro cellular microenvironments represent the most prevalent sensing mechanism for diagnosis. Therefore, self-powered biosensing (SPB) with a capacitor and contact separation with a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) offers electrochemical and colorimetric dual-mode detection via improved electrical signal intensity. In this review, we discuss three major components: stretchable self-powered BFC design, miRNA sensing, and impedance spectroscopy. A specific focus is given to 1) assembling of sensors for biomarkers, 2) electrical output signal intensification, and 3) role of supercapacitors and nanogenerators in SPBs. We outline the key features of stretchable SPBs and the sequence of miRNA sensing by SPBs. We have emphasized the need of a supercapacitor and nanogenerator for SPBs in the context of advanced assembly of the sensing unit. Finally, we outline the role of impedance spectroscopy in the detection and estimation of biomarkers. We highlight key challenges in SPBs for biomarker sensing, which needs improved sensing accuracy, integration strategies of electrochemical biosensing for in vitro and in vivo microenvironments, and the impact of miRNA sensing on cancer diagnostics. This article attempts a specific focus on the accuracy and limitations of sensing unit for miRNA biomarkers and associated tool for boosting electrical signal intensity for a potential big step further.

Research Progress in Enzyme Biofuel Cells Modified Using Nanomaterials and Their Implementation as Self-Powered Sensors

“…Compared with traditional electrochemical biosensors, an EBFC-SPB has its unique features [ 102 , 103 ]. First, the detection limit of an EBFC-SPB is generally low, making it a promising ultrasensitive trace detection tool.…”

A Review of Recent Advances in Human-Motion Energy Harvesting Nanogenerators, Self-Powering Smart Sensors and Self-Charging Electronics

“…Second, in many cases, they need to be externally powered, the efficiency is low, and the power generated is unreliable and inconsistent [ 24 ]. Even though the concept of biofuel cells (nowadays interchangeably named biobatteries) has been studied for many years, and there are some interesting articles about them [ 25 , 26 , 27 ], from our point of view, the actual application perspective and commercial use are still not within range. Thus, chemical energy sources will not be the subject of discussion in this review.…”