Two species of mushrooms, a 3D printer and a team of determined Swiss researchers: these are the ingredients of a discovery that could change our approach to sustainable energy. The biological battery developed in the laboratories of EMPA is not just a technological innovation: it is proof that nature can offer surprising solutions to the energy problems of our time.
How a biological battery is born
The laboratories ofEMPA (Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology) of Dübendorf are one of the places where Futuro Prossimo he goes more willingly to "snoop", because they have a long history of successful innovations. This time, the research team has created something truly unique: a functioning biological battery powered by the combined action of two types of fungi, all enclosed in a 3D-printed, biodegradable and non-toxic casing.
The real innovation lies in the use of mushrooms as a source of energy. While in the past we have seen battery powered by bacteria, this is the first time that two different types of fungi have been combined to create a working fuel cell. In fact, more than a traditional battery, it is a cell that uses fungal metabolism to convert nutrients into energy.
The technology behind the innovation
The team that authored the study (that I link to you here) has developed a cell that has unique characteristics. Anode: a yeast-like fungus releases electrons through its metabolism. Cathode, a mushroom of the family Sclerotinia sclerotiorum produces an enzyme that allows these electrons to be captured and carried out of the cell. It is an ingenious system that mimics natural processes to generate electricity.
The biggest challenge? Developing a 3D printing ink that could house fungal cells without harming them. The team created a cellulose-based compound that is not only electrically conductive, but also provides nutrients to the fungi in the form of simple sugars. This innovative ink is completely biodegradable and breaks down naturally once the cell has served its purpose.
Future prospects
Il Dr. Gustav Nystrom highlights how 3D printing offers unprecedented flexibility. It is possible to produce biological batteries of any shape and size, incorporating the exact amount of fungal material needed to generate the energy required by specific applications.
La Dr. Carolina Reyes highlighted a fascinating property of these biological batteries: they can be stored in a dry state and activated on the spot simply by adding water and nutrients. It is like having a “dormant” battery that wakes up when needed.
These cells will not replace the batteries of our smartphones (they produce between 300 and 600 mV for several days, with a current of 3-20 μA for external loads between 10 and 100 kΩ). However, they are perfect for powering devices outdoors and decompose safely: protected by a layer of beeswax, they can power small sensors to monitor temperature, light and humidity in agriculture and environmental research.
Biological battery, the future is yet to be written
THEEMPA has not yet announced when it will commercialize these cells. Researchers are still working to make them more powerful, more durable, and are exploring the possibility of incorporating other types of fungi that could be even more suitable for producing electricity.
Interestingly, this isn’t the only innovation in the field of eco-friendly batteries. There are already prototypes of recyclable batteries made from zinc and crab shells, and even edible rechargeable batteries created using algae. Nature continues to surprise us with its possibilities, and perhaps the future of energy will be greener than we think.