Green Technology – The Living Battery That Eats Itself After Use

3D-Printed Biodegradable Fungal Battery Breakthrough

Researchers at the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa) have developed a groundbreaking energy innovation—a 3D-printed, biodegradable fungal battery. Unlike traditional batteries that require charging, this one needs feeding. Using fungi as the core element, the battery delivers power to devices like temperature sensors and biodegrades once it’s no longer in use.

This not only marks a significant step in microbial fuel cell technology but also addresses the pressing demand for non-toxic and environmentally friendly energy solutions. By leveraging the unique properties of fungi, the research team has opened up possibilities for sustainable power systems, particularly in remote areas.

How Does the Fungal Battery Work?

The fungal battery operates on the principles of a microbial fuel cell, which uses microorganisms to convert nutrients into energy. At its core, the battery consists of two fungal species working in harmony.

• On the anode side resides a yeast fungus, whose metabolism releases electrons as a byproduct.
• The cathode section, on the other hand, is home to a white rot fungus. This species produces an enzyme that captures and conducts electrons, enabling the flow of electricity.

These fungi are not passively introduced but are actively incorporated into the structure during the manufacturing process. Using 3D printing, components of the battery—including the electrodes—are structured to optimize the fungi’s access to nutrients. The printing ink itself is an innovative, cellulose-based material that supports fungal growth, is biodegradable, and conducts electricity.

Once activated by adding water and nutrients, the battery can provide sufficient energy to power small devices, such as sensors for agricultural and environmental research.

Why Is This Discovery Important?

The fungal battery stands out not only for its unique mechanics but also for its environmental benefits. Traditional batteries are often made with toxic materials and can be difficult to dispose of safely. By contrast, the fungal battery is both non-toxic and biodegradable, leaving no trace after it self-digests.

Such advancements are critical in light of the growing global focus on reducing electronic waste. The biodegradable nature of the fungal battery aligns with efforts to create sustainable technologies with minimal environmental impact.

Additionally, this innovation utilizes living materials—a major shift from the conventional reliance on synthetic and metallic components in energy storage. Despite being underexplored, fungi’s natural adaptability and enzymatic properties have now proven to hold great potential in green technology.

Challenges and Future Improvements

Despite its promise, the fungal battery faces hurdles before it becomes commercially viable. Currently, its energy output is modest and suitable only for low-power devices. Researchers aim to extend its lifespan and increase its power generation by experimenting with different fungi species or augmenting the battery’s design.

Another area for improvement is the optimization of the fungi’s suitability for real-world conditions. While the microbial system works well under controlled lab settings, ensuring it performs reliably in varied environments is essential for broader adoption.

Practical Applications and What Lies Ahead

This biodegradable battery represents a practical solution for specific needs today. For instance, it can power remote agricultural sensors, providing data on soil conditions or crop health without needing continuous maintenance or replacement. When its job is finished, the battery can naturally break down, leaving no environmental burden.

Looking to the future, the fungal battery’s adaptability as a system hints at broader applications. It could be integrated into temporary medical devices, biodegradable electronics, or even deployed in areas with fragile ecosystems that cannot risk contamination by conventional batteries. Furthermore, combining concepts from algae bioreactors or microbial fuel systems could lead to hybrid models that offer higher capacities and larger-scale energy solutions.

Redefining How We Think About Batteries

Empa’s fungal battery pushes the boundaries of what is possible in bio-based energy technologies. Beyond simply being a biodegradable alternative, it showcases how living systems can actively serve a functional purpose, paving the way for a new generation of sustainable devices.

Yet, achieving broader implementation will require continued experimentation and collaboration across scientific disciplines. For now, this innovation serves as an inspiring example of how science can rethink traditional methods to align with the urgent needs of our future energy landscape. Through careful development, technologies like this fungal fuel cell may one day coexist alongside hydrogen and other clean energy solutions, forming a diverse and sustainable energy system.