New Possibility: Biofuel Cells with Stabilized Enzyme Activity

We have developed miniature biofuel cells (BFCs) with dimensions as small as 12x12x9 mm by adopting the design of stackable proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells. The enzymatic anodes were constructed by using stabilized glucose oxidase (GOx) in the form of crosslinked enzyme clusters (CECs) on the surface of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The combination of stabilized GOx and unbuffered fuel solution resulted in stabilized performance of miniature BFCs under continuous operation for more than 16 hours. This unprecedentedly high operational stability of miniature BFCs opens up new possibilities for many BFC applications.