Tear-Based Batteries for Contact Lenses
“Herein, we [chemical and electrical engineers, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore] develop safe, tear-based batteries integrated into contact lenses that are charged by biofuel during their storage. Enzymatic reactions of glucose oxidase and self-reduction of conducting polymer are utilized to charge the cathode and anode, respectively. The electrodes are embedded into a contact lens and discharged in an artificial tear solution followed by charging in a glucose solution via a bio-reaction (called bio-charging). The bio-charging battery shows a discharging capacity of 45 μA cm− 2 and a maximum power of 201 μW cm− 2, with its performance verified over 15 cycles. The bio-chargeable battery can also be charged conventionally by an external power supply.” MORE
Image Credit: Nanyang Technological University