Paper-Based Disk-Type Self-Powered Glucose Biosensor Based on Screen-Printed Biofuel Cell Array

Abstract

There is an increasing need for wearable diagnostic sensor devices and for enzymatic biofuel cells (EBFCs) as efficient power sources. In this study, a six-glucose/O2 biofuel cell array connected in series was fabricated by screen printing as a self-powered glucose sensor exhibiting an electromotive force of 3.2 V. Porous carbon electrodes were formed by screen printing of MgO-templated carbon on water-repellent paper to improve the performance of the cathode and thus prevent it from being the limiting step. The bioanode contained glucose oxidase as a catalyst and tetrathiafulvalene as a mediator, and the cathode contained bilirubin oxidase as an oxygen reduction catalyst. A good linear relationship was obtained between the output of EBFCs and glucose concentration (1–25 mM), which contains the range of urine glucose levels. The artificial urine components did not interfere with the output of the EBFC, but it was limited by low ion conductivity and low buffer capacity.