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Biologically powered solar cells tested

The step forward in the green energy revolution has seen scientists successfully connect nine biological-solar (or “bio-solar”) cells together within a solar panel. In studies, the system has been used to produce electricity. The level of energy generated is described as the highest level of wattage compared with any previously engineered bio-solar cells. The level recorded in a controlled study was 5.59 microwatts.

Bio-solar cells are hybrids, bringing together artificial and natural components. The cells are formed from a combination of organic matter (the basis of the “photosystem”) and inorganic matter. With this system, bacteria are used for the generation of power.

The basis of the technology is a process referred to as “photosynthetic extracellular electron transfer.” This process utilizes a natural biochemical reaction takes place within some types of bacteria. With the bio-solar cells a class called cyanobacteria are used. Cyanobacteria are a phylum of bacteria that obtain their energy through photosynthesis. The bacteria are sometimes, erroneously, called blue-green algae.

These bacteria are incorporated into the solar cells, placed into miniature microfluidic-based single-chambered devices. One positioned in fluids containing nutrient growth medium the bacteria are optimized to survive and divide. Here electricity is generated from the activity of photosynthesis and the respiratory activities of the bacteria. This occurs in a pattern of 12-hour day-night cycles. In the current study, the bio-solar panel was tested over a period of 60 total hours, cycling through day and night.

The panel has several potential applications, especially in areas that are remote and a way from existing power lines. One example is to use the bio-solar panels with wireless sensors in locations where frequent battery replacement is impractical. It is hoped that the prototype panel can be commercialized. The main complication with taking the bio-solar cell panel concept forwards will be with scale-up.

The research is published in the journal Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical, in a paper titled “Biopower generation in a microfluidic bio-solar panel.”

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Written By

Dr. Tim Sandle is Digital Journal's Editor-at-Large for science news. Tim specializes in science, technology, environmental, business, and health journalism. He is additionally a practising microbiologist; and an author. He is also interested in history, politics and current affairs.

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