The dissolvable battery uses bacteria and paper parts to make power. It breaks down and helps in medicine and the environment.
Researchers at Binghamton University have developed a new kind of dissolvable battery that uses probiotics—safe, live microorganisms commonly found in food—as a power source. This battery is built using “papertronics,” or paper-based electronic components, and includes a special electrode made from polymers and nanoparticles. The electrode has a rough and porous surface that helps the bacteria attach and grow more effectively. To ensure the battery works only in specific conditions, the team added a pH-sensitive coating that activates in acidic environments, such as polluted water or the human digestive system.
The battery design includes a single unit of a microbial fuel cell, powered by a blend of 15 probiotics. These were selected for their safety and compatibility with the human body. While the team initially faced challenges in generating electricity from probiotics, they overcame these by adjusting the electrode surface and materials to better support electrogenic activity. The paper battery is designed to dissolve completely, removing any need for retrieval or disposal.
This new design avoids the use of traditional battery materials, such as lithium-ion, which contain toxic chemicals unsuitable for medical or environmental applications. By using probiotics—already recognized as safe—the system eliminates concerns about releasing harmful bacteria or residues. The engineered electrode further boosts performance without compromising biosafety. The pH-sensitive coating ensures the battery only functions in target conditions, reducing energy waste and unwanted activation.
As a result, the probiotic-powered paper battery offers a biocompatible and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional power sources. It provides a promising platform for transient electronics—devices meant to disappear after use—especially in biomedical implants or environmental sensors. This early-stage prototype demonstrates a working solution for safe, low-power energy generation, paving the way for future improvements in performance and scale. The research opens doors to electronics that do their job, then vanish without harm.
