Empa Researchers Create 3D-Printed Biodegradable Fungal Battery for Sustainable Power Solutions

Empa Researchers Create 3D-Printed Biodegradable Fungal Battery for Sustainable Power Solutions

(IN BRIEF) Empa researchers have developed a groundbreaking 3D-printed, biodegradable fungal battery, capable of powering sensors for agriculture and research in remote regions. This living battery uses two types of fungi, a yeast fungus and a white rot fungus, to generate electricity through their metabolic processes. Unlike traditional batteries, it is non-toxic and biodegradable, with the fungi breaking down the battery after use. The researchers aim to improve the battery’s power and longevity and explore other fungi species for better performance.

(PRESS RELEASE) DÜBENDORF, 10-Jan-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Empa researchers have introduced a groundbreaking innovation in energy generation with their creation of a 3D-printed, biodegradable fungal battery. Unlike traditional batteries that require charging, this living battery “feeds” on nutrients, powering sensors used in agriculture or research, particularly in remote areas. Once its task is complete, it naturally breaks down from within.

Fungi, a kingdom of life often overlooked in materials science, have long intrigued researchers due to their diverse capabilities. From mushrooms and molds to single-celled organisms and disease-causing pathogens, fungi play various roles in ecosystems. Now, scientists at Empa have tapped into yet another remarkable property: the ability to generate electricity.

The creation of this fungal battery is the result of a three-year research project, supported by the Gebert Rüf Stiftung through their Microbials funding program. Researchers from Empa’s Cellulose and Wood Materials laboratory have developed a microbial fuel cell that uses living fungi to produce electricity—enough to power a temperature sensor for several days. These sensors are crucial in sectors such as agriculture and environmental research. What sets the fungal battery apart is its non-toxic and biodegradable nature, unlike conventional batteries.

Technically, the cell is a microbial fuel cell rather than a traditional battery. Microbial fuel cells leverage the metabolism of microorganisms, converting nutrients into energy and capturing part of this energy as electricity. Historically, bacteria have been used in these cells. However, Empa researchers have pioneered the combination of two fungal species to create a functioning fuel cell. A yeast fungus on the anode side releases electrons, while a white rot fungus on the cathode side produces an enzyme that captures and conducts the electrons.

The fungi are integrated into the battery from the start, rather than being added later. Using 3D printing, the researchers structured the battery’s electrodes to facilitate easy access to nutrients for the fungi. This innovative printing process involves incorporating fungal cells into the printing ink, a challenge that required careful balancing. “Finding a material where fungi thrive, while maintaining the ink’s extrudability, conductivity, and biodegradability, was no small feat,” said Gustav Nyström, head of Empa’s Cellulose and Wood Materials lab.

The fungal cells are nourished with simple sugars and cellulose, the latter of which the fungi can also use as a nutrient. The battery can be stored in a dry state, activated on-site by adding water and nutrients. Despite their resilience in dry conditions, working with living materials presented unique challenges. The interdisciplinary project required expertise in microbiology, materials science, and electrical engineering. “We had to adapt electrochemical techniques to work with 3D printing inks,” explained Carolina Reyes, one of the lead researchers.

Looking ahead, the team aims to enhance the battery’s power and longevity while exploring other fungi species that might be even more efficient at generating electricity. Fungi remain largely underexplored in materials science, and the researchers believe their potential has only just begun to be tapped.

Media Contact:

Dr. Gustav Nyström
Cellulose and Wood Materials
Phone +41 58 765 45 83
gustav.nystroem@empa.ch

Dr. Carolina Reyes
Cellulose and Wood Materials
Phone +41 58 765 42 43
carolina.reyes@empa.ch

Editor / Media Contact:

Anna Ettlin
Communications
Phone +41 58 765 47 33
redaktion@empa.ch

SOURCE: EMPA