PERSPECTIVE | NOVEMBER 10 2010

Abstract

This review article presents how microfluidic technologies and biological materials are paired to assist in the development of low cost, green energy fuel cell systems. Miniaturized biological fuel cells, employing enzymes or microorganisms as biocatalysts in an environmentally benign configuration, can become an attractive candidate for small-scale power source applications such as biological sensors, implantable medical devices, and portable electronics. State-of-the-art biofuel cell technologies are reviewed with emphasis on microfabrication compatibility and microfluidic fuel cell designs. Integrated microfluidic biofuel cell prototypes are examined with comparisons of their performance achievements and fabrication methods. The technical challenges for further developments and the potential research opportunities for practical cell designs are discussed.

Key findings

• ▸Miniaturized biological fuel cells employing enzymes or microorganisms as biocatalysts can be an attractive candidate for small-scale power source applications.
• ▸State-of-the-art biofuel cell technologies are reviewed with emphasis on microfabrication compatibility and microfluidic fuel cell designs.
• ▸Integrated microfluidic biofuel cell prototypes are examined with comparisons of their performance achievements and fabrication methods.

Keywords

Identifiers

DOI

10.1063/1.3515523

Journal

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Funding for this research provided by the Natural Science

Year

2010