An origami paper-based bacteria-powered battery with an air-cathod

In this work, we created a stackable, 3-D, paper-based, bacteria-powered battery for potentially powering on-chip paper-based biosensors. The battery generated power from microbial respiration with one drop of bacteria-containing liquid. An air-cathode was also created on paper with activated carbon on the Nickel electrode that was sprayed on the paper. By applying paper-folding techniques, the four on-chip batteries were connected in series to obtain a high operating voltage (0.1V) under a 470kΩ external resistor. Shewanella oneidensis were loaded on to the folded battery stack, through which the bacterial cells were transported into each battery. For operation, the battery stack was unfolded to expose all air-cathodes to the air, thereby maximizing their cathodic reactions.