Biofuel Cell Operating in Vivo in Rat

Biocatalytic electrodes made of buckypaper were modified with PQQ-dependent glucose dehydrogenase on the anode and with laccase on the cathode. The enzyme modified electrodes were assembled in a biofuel cell which was first characterized in human serum solution and then the electrodes were placed onto exposed rat cremaster tissue. Glucose and oxygen dissolved in blood were used as the fuel and oxidizer, respectively, for the implanted biofuel cell operation. The steady-state open circuitry voltage of 140 +/- 30mV and short circuitry current of 10 +/- 3 mu A (current density ca. 5 mu Acm(-2) based on the geometrical electrode area of 2cm(2)) were achieved in the in vivo operating biofuel cell. Future applications of implanted biofuel cells for powering of biomedical and sensor devices are discussed.