Enzymatic biofuel cells fabricated by nanomaterials and their uses as implantable, wearable, and biosensing devices

Abstract

Enzymatic biofuel cell (EBFC) is a particular sort of fuel cell (FC) that oxidizes its fuel using enzymes as catalysts instead of valuable metals. The enzymes such as laccase (Lac) or bilirubin oxidase (BOD) in cathode compartment and glucose dehydrogenase (GDH) or glucose oxidase (GOD) in anode compartment can be applied as biocatalysts in EBFCs. Power is produced by reducing oxidant (O2) and oxidizing natural fuels including, glucose (Glc), fructose, and alcohols. Within the different conductive nanomaterials, excellent electrical conductivity, different shapes of carbon and metallic materials with particular morphology steady mechanical and thermal characteristics have significant roles in EBFC. Furthermore, EBFC has gained special consideration as a domain of nanotechnology; hence, it is predicted to develop and function as an implantable power source in the production of pacemakers, transmitters, miniaturized sensors, artificial organs, etc. In this study, we review the function of EBFCs, the enzymes used for their construction, and EBFCs applications such as implantable and wearable medical devices and biosensing using recently published articles.