Nano-biosupercapacitors enable autarkic sensor operation in blood

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.

Electronically integrated microcatheters based on self-assembling polymer films

“…All incorporated materials that interface with the environment, i.e., HG, PI, and PPy, have been previously assessed through cytotoxicity tests ( 28 , 76 , 77 ), showing overall biocompatibility. However, future studies with ex vivo and especially living tissues are required.…”

Towards Real-Time Oxygen Sensing: From Nanomaterials to Plasma

“…Oxygen can also be detected using several bulk instruments, such as AFM and x-rays to obtain fast results in a limited time. Researchers have used graphane, self-chargeable nano-bio-supercapacitors with microelectronic circuits, to sense oxygen and blood plasma (Kim et al (2020); Lee et al (2021)). However, these techniques are limited to rapid PoC applications.…”

On‐Chip Direct Laser Writing of PAN‐Based Carbon Supercapacitor Electrodes

“…[1][2][3] Such devices for on-chip energy storage could potentially transform the way we employ wearable and textile electronics and foster the development of autonomous microrobots. [4][5][6] Different classes of organic and inorganic DOI: 10.1002/marc.202100731 materials have been explored for carbonbased microsupercapacitors electrodes, with the aim of increasing the surface area to yield acceptable capacitance despite their small size. [7][8][9][10][11][12] However, fabrication techniques to produce the required electrode geometries are limited to off-chip methods.…”