*Virus-Infected Batteries Not Included

Lawrence Siulagi — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 16:51:22 +0000

This could be a label in the future of battery-powered gadgets. Okay, maybe not. Even so, the geniuses at M.I.T. have developed a genetically-engineered virus which infests a harmless bacteria to create a smaller, longer-lasting battery which

…could hold the promise of relatively inexpensive, nonpolluting, lightweight powerful batteries—a holy grail for an energy revolution.

But, how does it work? Glad you asked. According to Scientific American, all bacteria consist of

…a single cell, although they’re rarely found in isolation. They have a habit of exhibiting unique behaviors when there are enough of them together in once place, such as the formation of protective biofilms.

The silver-disc in this photo is a virus-built battery used to power an LED.

Still with me? A battery has two essential parts: anode and cathode (picture the “+” and “-” on your typical battery). A few years back, the scientists simulated the anode part by infecting a bacteria with a virus which produced a coating of cobalt oxide and gold.

This month, researchers announced they reproduced the cathode part (by making iron phosphates grab onto carbon nanotubes).

While this new technology may induce visions of viruses and bacteria spreading to humans, did I mention the bacteria is harmless to humans? If it’s any comfort, the batteries you put in your remote control now are purely chemical reactions.

Welcome to the future of energy.

UPDATE: For you nanotech fans, read about MIT’s research on batteries the size of cells.

Lawrence Siulagi » Nanotechnology

*Virus-Infected Batteries Not Included