ZME Science
No Result
View All Result
ZME Science
No Result
View All Result
ZME Science

Home → Environment → World Problems

Origami battery that runs on a few drops of water could revolutionize biosensors

This disposable battery runs on bacteria and folds like an origami ninja star. Sold!

Alexandru MicubyAlexandru Micu
June 10, 2016
in Design, Electronics, Inventions, News, Research, Science, World Problems
A A
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterSubmit to Reddit

RelatedPosts

Stunning light circles over military helicopters in Afghanistan [PICS]
The constellation Vela explodes with color (and new suns) in ESO-captured snaps
Tiny origami bot folds, navigates obstacles, swims, then dissolves. Next: inside your body
Blank paper on ninja history wins top grades — it was written in invisible ink

An engineer from Binghamton University, State University of New York designed a new disposable battery that could power biosensors and other small devices in areas where conventional batteries are just too expensive. The battery only uses one drop of dirty water to generate energy. But the best part — it folds up like an origami ninja star.

Image credit: Jonathan Cohen/Binghamton University.

Seokheun Choi, assistant professor of computer and electrical engineering at Binghamton University, working with two of his students developed the new device that’s powered by the bacteria found in dirty water. This isn’t Choi’s first origami battery — his first design was shaped like a matchbox and consisted of four modules stacked together. The star version is made out of eight small batteries connected in a series, measures in at around 6.35 centimeters (2.5 inches) wide and has a better power output and increased voltage than the first one.

“Last time, it was a proof of concept. The power density was in the nanowatt range,” said Choi. “This time, we increased it to the microwatt range. We can light an LED for about 20 minutes or power other types of biosensors.”

Paper-based biosensors are currently used for pregnancy and HIV tests, but their sensitivity is limited says Choi. His battery could allow these sensors to employ fluorescent or electrochemical biosensors with a much better accuracy, even in developing countries.

“Commercially available batteries are too wasteful and expensive for the field,” he said. “Ultimately, I’d like to develop instant, disposable, accessible bio-batteries for use in resource-limited regions.”

The battery unfolds into a star with one inlet at its center and the electrical contacts at the points of each side. After adding a few drops of dirty water on the inlet and the device can be opened into a Frisbee-like shape, allowing each of the eight fuel cells to function. Each module is a sandwich of five functional layers with its own anode, proton exchange membrane and air-cathode.

While Choi’s first battery could be produced for about 5 US cents, the star is a bit more expensive — roughly 70 US cents. This is because the battery is also made with carbon cloth for the anode and copper tape in addition to the filter paper. The team plans to produce a fully paper-based device that has the power density of the new design with lower price tag.

Tags: batteryBiosensorselectricityNinjaorigamistar

Share8TweetShare
Alexandru Micu

Alexandru Micu

Stunningly charming pun connoisseur, I have been fascinated by the world around me since I first laid eyes on it. Always curious, I'm just having a little fun with some very serious science.

Related Posts

Inventions

The World’s Largest Sand Battery Just Went Online in Finland. It could change renewable energy

byMihai Andrei
3 weeks ago
Future

This EV Battery Charges in 18 Seconds and It’s Already Street Legal

byTibi Puiu
3 weeks ago
Biology

Scientists Made a Battery Powered by Probiotics That’s Completely Biodegradable

byTibi Puiu
4 weeks ago
Biology

These Bacteria Exhale Electricity and Could Help Fight Climate Change

byTudor Tarita
1 month ago

Recent news

Tennis May Add Nearly 10 Years to Your Life and Most People Are Ignoring It

July 4, 2025

Humans Have Been Reshaping Earth with Fire for at Least 50,000 Years

July 4, 2025

The Strangest Microbe Ever Found Straddles The Line Between Life and Non-Life

July 4, 2025
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Editorial Policy
  • Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
  • How we review products
  • Contact

© 2007-2025 ZME Science - Not exactly rocket science. All Rights Reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Science News
  • Environment
  • Health
  • Space
  • Future
  • Features
    • Natural Sciences
    • Physics
      • Matter and Energy
      • Quantum Mechanics
      • Thermodynamics
    • Chemistry
      • Periodic Table
      • Applied Chemistry
      • Materials
      • Physical Chemistry
    • Biology
      • Anatomy
      • Biochemistry
      • Ecology
      • Genetics
      • Microbiology
      • Plants and Fungi
    • Geology and Paleontology
      • Planet Earth
      • Earth Dynamics
      • Rocks and Minerals
      • Volcanoes
      • Dinosaurs
      • Fossils
    • Animals
      • Mammals
      • Birds
      • Fish
      • Amphibians
      • Reptiles
      • Invertebrates
      • Pets
      • Conservation
      • Animal facts
    • Climate and Weather
      • Climate change
      • Weather and atmosphere
    • Health
      • Drugs
      • Diseases and Conditions
      • Human Body
      • Mind and Brain
      • Food and Nutrition
      • Wellness
    • History and Humanities
      • Anthropology
      • Archaeology
      • History
      • Economics
      • People
      • Sociology
    • Space & Astronomy
      • The Solar System
      • Sun
      • The Moon
      • Planets
      • Asteroids, meteors & comets
      • Astronomy
      • Astrophysics
      • Cosmology
      • Exoplanets & Alien Life
      • Spaceflight and Exploration
    • Technology
      • Computer Science & IT
      • Engineering
      • Inventions
      • Sustainability
      • Renewable Energy
      • Green Living
    • Culture
    • Resources
  • Videos
  • Reviews
  • About Us
    • About
    • The Team
    • Advertise
    • Contribute
    • Editorial policy
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact

© 2007-2025 ZME Science - Not exactly rocket science. All Rights Reserved.