Cellulose Filter Paper Research Articles

Synthesis of a Highly Selective Scavenger of Precious Metals from a Printed Circuit Board Based on Cellulose Filter Paper Functionalized with a Grafted Polymer Chain Bearing N-Methyl-2-hydroxyethylcarbamothioate Moieties.

We report the synthesis and practical application of a novel scavenger for precious metals. The scavenger was prepared from cellulose filter paper with grafted chains of poly(glycidyl methacrylate) modified with a novel ligand group of N-methyl-2-hydroxyethylcarbamothioate moieties, introduced by the reaction with O-1-mercapto-3-phenoxypropan-2-yl N-methyl-2-hydroxyethylcarbamothioate. Batch experiments were performed to evaluate the capability of the scavenger in ranges of pH and acid concentration as well as to determine the kinetics and isotherm models. The scavenger was found to adsorb only Ag(I), Pd(II), and Au(III) from an aqueous media in the presence of coexisting ions of different bases and precious metals at wide ranges of pH and acid concentration. The adsorption rates fit a pseudo-second-order kinetic equation, and the adsorption reached equilibrium within 60 min. The isotherm studies indicated that the obtained data were a good fit with the Langmuir model. The maximum adsorption capacities of Ag(I), Pd(II), and Au(III) were 126.95, 124.67, and 230.67 mg g–1, respectively. Regeneration experiments indicated that the adsorbent maintained 97% of its initial efficiency even after five adsorption/desorption cycles. The scavenger was effectively utilized to recover Ag(I), Pd(II), and Au(III) from an aqua regia solution of waste printed circuit boards.

Long-Term Cellulose Enrichment Selects for Highly Cellulolytic Consortia and Competition for Public Goods.

ABSTRACTThe complexity of microbial communities hinders our understanding of how microbial diversity and microbe-microbe interactions impact community functions. Here, using six independent communities originating from the refuse dumps of leaf-cutter ants and enriched using the plant polymer cellulose as the sole source of carbon, we examine how changes in bacterial diversity and interactions impact plant biomass decomposition. Over up to 60 serial transfers (∼8 months) using Whatman cellulose filter paper, cellulolytic ability increased and then stabilized in four enrichment lines and was variable in two lines. Bacterial community characterization using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing showed community succession differed between the highly cellulolytic enrichment lines and those that had slower and more variable cellulose degradation rates. Metagenomic and metatranscriptomic analyses revealed that Cellvibrio and/or Cellulomonas dominated each enrichment line and produced the majority of cellulase enzymes, while diverse taxa were retained within these communities over the duration of transfers. Interestingly, the less cellulolytic communities had a higher diversity of organisms competing for the cellulose breakdown product cellobiose, suggesting that cheating slowed cellulose degradation. In addition, we found competitive exclusion as an important factor shaping all of the communities, with a negative correlation of Cellvibrio and Cellulomonas abundance within individual enrichment lines and the expression of genes associated with the production of secondary metabolites, toxins, and other antagonistic compounds. Our results provide insights into how microbial diversity and competition affect the stability and function of cellulose-degrading communities.IMPORTANCE Microbial communities are a key driver of the carbon cycle through the breakdown of complex polysaccharides in diverse environments including soil, marine systems, and the mammalian gut. However, due to the complexity of these communities, the species-species interactions that impact community structure and ultimately shape the rate of decomposition are difficult to define. Here, we performed serial enrichment on cellulose using communities inoculated from leaf-cutter ant refuse dumps, a cellulose-rich environment. By concurrently tracking cellulolytic ability and community composition and through metagenomic and metatranscriptomic sequencing, we analyzed the ecological dynamics of the enrichment lines. Our data suggest that antagonism is prevalent in these communities and that competition for soluble sugars may slow degradation and lead to community instability. Together, these results help reveal the relationships between competition and polysaccharide decomposition, with implications in diverse areas ranging from microbial community ecology to cellulosic biofuels production.

Monitoring of Anaerobic Degradation in Batch Assays Using Fiber Bags

AbstractThe anaerobic batch digestion of freeze‐dried and ground (< 1.5 mm) maize silage, wheat straw, cattle manure, pig manure, and cellulose filter paper was investigated with substrates placed in polyester filter bags. Gas production dynamics of bagged and non‐bagged substrates were compared. By using batch bottles running in parallel with those used for gas measurement, substrates could be sampled over time and various parameters measured for both substrate and bulk liquid. The bags allowed an immediate mass loss into the bulk liquid with some substrates and a generally lower rate of gas production. This method requires refinement but has potential for the study of the dynamics of substrate degradation during anaerobic digestion.

Humidity dependence of fracture toughness of cellulose fibrous networks

Cellulose-based materials are increasingly finding applications in technology due to their sustainability and biodegradability. The sensitivity of cellulose fiber networks to environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity is well known. Yet, there is an incomplete understanding of the dependence of the fracture toughness of cellulose networks on environmental conditions. In the current study, we assess the effect of moisture content on the out-of-plane (i.e., z-dir.) fracture toughness of a particular cellulose network, specifically Whatman cellulose filter paper. Experimental measurements are performed at 16% RH along the desorption isotherm and 23, 37, 50, 75% RH along the adsorption isotherm using out-of-plane tensile tests and double cantilever beam (DCB) tests. Cohesive zone modeling and finite element simulations are used to extract quantitative properties that describe the crack growth behavior. Overall, the fracture toughness of filter paper decreased with increasing humidity. Additionally, a novel model is developed to capture the high peak and sudden drop in the experimental force measurement caused by the existence of an initiation region. This model is found to be in good agreement with experimental data. The relative effect of each independent cohesive parameter is explored to better understand the cohesive zone-based humidity dependence model. The methods described here may be applied to study rupture of other fiber networks with weak bonds.

Design and fabrication of microfibrous composite scaffold by coating clindamycin and chitosan onto cellulose filter paper for wound dressing applications

Design and fabrication of microfibrous composite scaffold by coating clindamycin and chitosan onto cellulose filter paper for wound dressing applications

Transfer hydrogenation of nitroarenes using cellulose filter paper-supported Pd/C by filtration as well as sealed methods.

A reductive filter paper for selective nitro reduction has been prepared by modification of a pristine cellulose filter paper by Pd/C nanoparticles, as a portable catalyst. The reaction was performed in two different set-ups including (i) filtration and (ii) sealed systems, in the presence of ammonium formate and ex situ generated hydrogen gas reducing agents, respectively. In the sealed system in the presence of H2 gas, the halogenated nitroarenes were completely reduced, while in the filtration system, different derivatives of the nitroarenes were selectively reduced to aryl amines. In both systems, the reduction of nitroarenes to aryl amines was performed with high efficiency and selectivity, comparable to a heterogeneous system. Reaction parameters were comprehensively designed using Design Expert software and then studied. The properties of the catalytic filter paper were studied in detail from the points of view of swellability, shrinkage, reusability, and stability against acidic, alkaline, and oxidative reagents.

Development of a wristband-type wearable device for the colorimetric detection of ammonia emanating from the human skin surface

Human skin gas is the term used to describe gas emanating from the human skin surface. Ammonia, one such gas, has a pungent odor affecting body odor. As ammonia’s dermal emission increases with physical load and/or psychological stress, the resulting body odor is called “fatigue odor.” Previously, human skin gases were collected via direct contact or headspace sampling, using a homemade sampling probe or bag and passive flux sampler. We developed a wristband-type wearable device for rapid, on-site detection of dermal ammonia based on headspace passive sampling coupled with Alizarin red as a pH indicator. Color change was measured with a colorimetric indicator tested in an exposure chamber and calibrated using dermal emission flux measured with a passive flux sampler. The indicator was developed as a tablet-like device comprising a polyethylene terephthalate body with a transparent window, detection sheet, diffuser, and disk with concentric spaces. The detection sheet was prepared by pipetting 50 μL 0.1 % Alizarin red–1 % glycerol into a methanol solution onto a cellulose filter paper and drying. The colorimetric indicator was placed on the skin surface using a wristband. For quantitative evaluation, the color-change amount was evaluated using color difference (ΔE*ab), which was calculated from L*, a*, and b* measured using a spectrophotometer. The colorimetric response to ammonia on the colorimetric indicator was evaluated by comparison with the conventional passive flux sampler. Good correlations were obtained between the color change amounts and those collected with the passive flux sampler. To simulate living human-skin conditions, the influence of temperature and humidity was also tested, and the effect on the passive indicator was clarified. Compared to conventional dermal ammonia-measuring methods, this newly developed passive indicator was more user-friendly because the results were obtained on-site without external evaluation. The passive indicator was also found to be an effective and simplified instrument for dermal ammonia measurements.

Effects of Varying the Amount of Reduced Graphene Oxide Loading on the Humidity Sensing Performance of Zinc Oxide/Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanocomposites on Cellulose Filter Paper

Effects of Varying the Amount of Reduced Graphene Oxide Loading on the Humidity Sensing Performance of Zinc Oxide/Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanocomposites on Cellulose Filter Paper

Effect of barley straw and Egyptian clover hay on the rumen fermentation and structure and fibrolytic activities of rumen bacteria in dromedary camel.

Background and Aim:Understanding the regulations of rumen microbiota and their fibrolytic capabilities under different forages are essential to improve rumen fermentation and animal feed efficiency. This study aimed to evaluate the changes in the rumen fermentation and the structure and fibrolytic activities of rumen bacteria in camels fed barley straw and Egyptian clover hay.Materials and Methods:Three fistulated camels were fed a diet containing barley straw for 30 days; then transitioned to a diet containing Egyptian clover hay for 30 days. In addition, bacterial media enriched with xylan and different cellulose sources, namely, filter paper, wheat straw, and alfalfa hay, were used to evaluate the ability of camel rumen bacteria to produce xylanase and cellulase enzymes.Results:The camel group fed Egyptian clover hay showed higher crude protein intake, rumen ammonia, total volatile fatty acids, and acetic acid. Moreover, the camel group fed barley straw showed higher neutral detergent fiber intake, rumen pH, and propionic and butyric acids. Principal component analysis showed that bacterial communities were separated based on the forage type. Forage type affected the composition of rumen bacteria and most of the bacterial community was assigned to phylum Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes. Egyptian clover hay diet increased the proportions of genus Prevotella and Ruminococcus; while fed barley straw diet increased the Butyrivibrio, RC9_gut_group, and Fibrobacteres. The bacterial culture of the Egyptian clover hay fed group produced the greatest xylanase and the bacterial culture of the barley straw fed group produced the maximum cellulase.Conclusion:Egyptian clover hay is recommended to feed camels in intensive production. Moreover, the bacterial community in the camel rumen is a promising source of lignocellulolytic enzymes.

Catalytic filtration: efficient C-C cross-coupling using Pd(II)-salen complex-embedded cellulose filter paper as a portable catalyst.

A new approach has been developed for environmentally friendly C-C cross-coupling reactions using bi-functional Pd(ii)-salen complex-embedded cellulose filter paper (FP@Si-PdII-Salen-[IM]OH). A Pd(ii)-salen complex bearing imidazolium [OH]−moieties was covalently embedded into a plain filter paper, then used as an efficient portable catalyst for the Heck, Suzuki, and Sonogashira cross-coupling reactions under environmentally friendly conditions via the filtration method. The catalytic filter paper properties were studied by EDX, XPS, TGA, ATR, XRD, and FESEM analyses. The reactions were catalyzed during reactants' filtration over the catalytic filter paper. The modified filter paper was set up over a funnel and the reactants were passed through the catalytic filter paper several times. The effect of reaction parameters including loading of Pd(ii)-salen complex, temperature, solvent, and contact time were carefully studied and also the optimal model of conditions was presented by the design expert software. High to excellent yields were obtained for all C–C coupling types with 5 to 8 filtration times. Under optimal conditions, all coupling reactions showed high selectivity and efficiency. Another advantage of the modified filter paper was its stability and reusability for several times with preservation of catalytic activity and swellability.

Cellulose Decomposition Potential of Soil as Affected by Vegetable Cultivation: A Case Study in Kegalle District, Sri Lanka

The potential of microbial communities for organic C decomposition is a crucial factor determining CO₂ emissions from soil, C storage, and short-term nutrient turnover. We conducted a study to assess cellulose decomposition potential (CDP) of soils as affected by vegetable cultivation. Ten sites cultivated with vegetables and five sites under natural vegetation, distributed in Atulugama and Kanangama Grama Nilaldhari divisions in Kegalle District of Sri Lanka, were selected for the study. The cultivated lands have been managed with organic fertilizers (n=4), synthetic fertilizers (n=3), or a combination of both types of fertilizers (n=3). Soils collected at 0-15 cm depth were used in a laboratory incubation experiment to assess CDP in triplicates for two weeks. The <em>in situ </em>CDP was studied by placing litter bags containing two types of cellulose materials, <em>i.e. </em>cotton wool or cellulose filter papers, separately for four and six weeks, respectively. They were placed at 5 cm depth in the field in two replicates. Vegetable cultivation had significantly (<em>p</em>&lt;0.05) reduced soil organic C content. There was no significant correlation (<em>p</em>&gt;0.05) between CDP observed under laboratory and field conditions. The effect of land management on CDP was significant (<em>p</em>&lt;0.05) only in laboratory incubation, in which soils collected from the lands cultivated with synthetic fertilizers alone had nine-fold high CDP compared to uncultivated soils. In situ decomposition of added cellulose filter papers and cotton wool after four weeks ranged from 13-100% and 61-65%, respectively. Nearly 44% of sites exhibited values &gt;80% for CDP. In conclusion, vegetable cultivation affected CDP differently depending on the nature of cellulose input and the history of fertilizer management.

Screening and identification of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors from Terminalia chebula fruits by immobilized enzyme on cellulose filter paper coupled with ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry and molecular docking

With the increasing demand of new drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD), screening acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors from traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) has been proved to be an effective strategy for drug discovery. In present study, a novel strategy was developed to fish out AChE inhibitors from Terminalia chebula fruits based on immobilized AChE coupled with ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS) and molecular docking. For AChE immobilization, cellulose filter paper (CFP) as the carrier was modified with chitosan to be introduced to amino groups, and then AChE was modified on the amino-modified CFP through a Schiff base reaction with glutaraldehyde as a cross-linking agent. The CPF-immobilized AChE possessed advantages of a wider range for pH and temperature endurance, better storage stability, excellent reproducibility and reusability. The CPF-immobilized AChE was incubated with the extract of T. chebula fruits, and then the active components would form complexes with immobilized AChE. The complexes were further conveniently separated with inactive components by virtue of the instantaneous separation characteristic of CFP. Eventually, 25 (1–11, 13–26) potential AChE inhibitors were fished out and their structures were further identified by UPLC-QTOF-MS. Moreover, molecular docking was performed to discriminate non-specific compounds to AChE and explore binding mechanisms between potential inhibitors and AChE, and 25 compounds could be well embedded into active sites of AChE with affinities ranging from -9.9 to -6.4 kcal/mol. Inhibitory activities of screened active components on AChE were evaluated in vitro, and punicalagin, 1,3,6-tri-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose (1,3,6-TGG), chebulinic acid and geraniin exhibited excellent AChE-inhibitory properties with IC50 values of 0.43 ± 0.03, 0.46 ± 0.02, 0.50 ± 0.03 and 0.51 ± 0.03 mM, respectively. The results indicated that the developed method was simple and efficient, and could be utilized to screen and identify potential AChE inhibitors from TCMs.

Magnetic dispersive solid phase extraction based on carbonized cellulose–ferromagnetic nanocomposite for screening phthalate esters in aqueous samples

In this work, a sorbent of the carbonized cellulose–ferromagnetic nanocomposite has been proposed for the magnetic dispersive solid phase extraction of some plasticizers in aqueous samples. Carbonized cellulose nanoparticles were prepared by treatment of cellulose filter paper with concentrated sulfuric acid and then loaded on Fe3O4 nanoparticles using coprecipitation. This sorbent is compatible with aqueous samples and can be considered as a viable sorbent for extraction of plasticizers from aqueous samples. In this study, magnetic dispersive solid phase extraction is followed by a dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction method. This combination makes the proposed approach as an efficient clean–up method with high enrichment factors for the selected analytes. The enriched analytes are monitored by gas chromatography equipped with a flame ionization detector. Parameters affecting the method efficiency were investigated in details. Under the optimized extraction conditions, limits of detection could reach up to of 0.15–0.50 µg L−1. The satisfactory enrichment factors of 286–403 were obtained, and the extraction recoveries were found to be in the range of 57–80%. Relative standard deviations were in the range of 3–7% for intra–day and inter–day precisions for six replicate extractions at 25 µg L−1 of each plasticizer. Calibration curves were linear in wide ranges with coefficients of determination ≥ 0.995. Eventually, efficiency of the prepared sorbent was confirmed by the extraction of some plasticizers from real samples including fruit juices, mineral water, injection solution, cola, and yoghourt drink packed in plastic containers.

Impact of microporous structures of esterified cellulose filter papers on Co (II) rejection in cross-flow microfiltration

• Ion rejection by a low-pressure filtration is possible by Donnan exclusion effect. • A microporous structure is important for establishing Donnan exclusion effect. • This phenomenon could be explained by the Gouy-Chapman-Stern (GCS) model. • Highly overlapped EDLs are responsible for developing Donnan exclusion effect. The Donnan exclusion effect is a unique phenomenon in which ions are electrostatically repelled by a surface bearing an identical charge. In this study, cellulose filter papers were esterified by ten different organic acids to systematically evaluate how surface properties regulate the development of the Donnan exclusion effect and subsequent Co(II) rejection. Among the esterified cellulose filter papers, those exhibiting high Co(II) rejection (>80% in 1.0 mg/L Co(II) in 1.0 mM NaCl background electrolyte solution) were noted to simultaneously possess positive zeta potential when in contact with Co(II), low adsorption affinity, and a relatively high microporous environment. This behavior could be explained by the Gouy–Chapman–Stern (GCS) model, in which the ion retention in the overlapped electrical double layers (EDLs) regulates the zeta potential development and consequently the Co(II) rejection. In addition to introducing reactive carbonyl and carboxyl groups, we suggest that the creation of a relatively microporous environment is essential for high Co(II) rejection. Our results are valuable for developing low-energy filtration systems for environmentally friendly water and wastewater treatment.

Antibacterial Films of Alginate-CoNi-Coated Cellulose Paper Stabilized Co NPs for Dyes and Nitrophenol Degradation.

The development of a solid substrate for the support and stabilization of zero-valent metal nanoparticles (NPs) is the heart of the catalyst system. In the current embodiment, we have prepared solid support comprise of alginate-coated cellulose filter paper (Alg/FP) for the synthesis and stabilization of Co nanoparticles (NPs) named as Alg/FP@Co NPs. Furthermore, Alginate polymer was blended with 1 and 2 weight percent of CoNi NPs to make Alg-CoNi1/FP and Alg-CoNi2/FP, respectively. All these stabilizing matrixes were used as dip-catalyst for the degradation of azo dyes and reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4NP). The effect of initial dye concentration, amount of NaBH4, and catalyst dosage was assessed for the degradation of Congo red (CR) dye by using Alg-CoNi2/FP@Co NPs. Results indicated that the highest kapp value (3.63 × 10−1 min−1) was exhibited by Alg-CoNi2/FP@Co NPs and lowest by Alg/FP@Co NPs against the discoloration of CR dye. Furthermore, it was concluded that Alg-CoNi2/FP@Co NPs exhibited strong catalyst activity against CR, and methyl orange dye (MO) degradation as well as 4NP reduction. Antibacterial activity of the prepared composites was also investigated and the highest l activity was shown by Alg-CoNi2/FP@Co NPs, which inhibit 2.5 cm zone of bacteria compared to other catalysts.

Selective Deposition of Candle Soot on a Cellulose Membrane for Efficient Solar Evaporation.

Owing to their natural abundance, seawater together with sunlight has a potential to meet the global challenges in terms of water scarcity and energy crisis. Herein, we demonstrate a solar vapor generator composed of an inner flame candle soot (IFCS) deposited on a cellulose filter paper (FP) prepared by a simple two-step process. The resultant IFCS/FP device exhibits a high photothermal conversion ability owing to the broadband solar absorption of the IFCS layer along with the multiple scattering of the incoming sunlight in the porous microstructure of the cellulose FP. Additionally, the low thermal conductivity of the IFCS effectively localizes the photothermally generated heat at the IFCS/FP surface, thereby significantly suppressing the conduction heat losses to the underlying bulk water. Meanwhile, the capillary action of the FP supplies an adequate amount of water to the heated surface for accelerating the evaporation process. Benefitting from the synergistic effect of these characteristics, the IFCS/FP achieves high evaporation rates of ∼1.16 and ∼4.09 kg m–2 h–1 and their corresponding efficiencies of ∼75.1 and 90.9% under one and three sun illumination, respectively. Moreover, the IFCS/FP device presents an excellent longevity owing to the persistent performance over 15 repeated cycles under one and three sun illumination. Hence, the facile fabrication, fine mechanical strength, desalination, and the salt-resistance ability of our IFCS/FP make it a suitable candidate for practical applications.

Exalted redox frameworks of Cu-MOF/polyaniline/RGO based composite electrodes by integrating silver nanoparticles as a catalytic agent for superior energy featured supercapatteries

Designing of novel porous materials with multifunctional properties and having versatile nanogeometries called metal organic frameworks (MOFs) that are emerging as a remarkable contender to upsurge the performance of renewable energy storage devices. Here, we widely investigate the hydrothermally synthesized copper-MOF (M1) and its based composites which were made by physical blending technique for high energy density supercapattery device. It includes copper-MOF/polyaniline (M2), copper-MOF/polyaniline/reduced-graphene-oxide (M3) and copper-MOF/polyaniline/reduced-graphene-oxide/silver-nanoparticles (M4). The hydrothermally synthesized copper-MOF exhibits a specific capacity of 14.8 mAh/g while its based composites show 39.8, 52.4 and 118 mAh/g at initial current density of 0.5 A/g in three electrodes electrochemical setup. Owing to excellent electrochemical properties, the composite M4 is utilized for real device fabrication as battery type electrode by conjugating with highly porous carbon electrode separated by cellulose filter paper. This hybrid paradigm endorses promising power density of 1192 W/kg at energy density of 52 Wh/kg, and still holds the energy density of 27.2 Wh/kg by delivering outstanding power density of 10,200 W/kg. Cyclic durability is tested by exposing the supercapattery to 3000 charge-discharge cycles. As a result, the supercapattery system retains interesting cyclic stability of 91.2% along with faradic efficiency of 99.6%. Overall, this unique architecture of MOFs-based composites would assist to meet the ever-increasing renewable energy demands to power this world.

Modification of cellulose filter paper with bimetal nanoparticles for catalytic reduction of nitroaromatics in water

Modification of cellulose filter paper with bimetal nanoparticles for catalytic reduction of nitroaromatics in water

In-situ growth of zeolitic imidazolate frameworks into a cellulosic filter paper for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol

Whatman® cellulosic filter paper was used as a substrate for the synthesis of two zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs); ZIF-8 and ZIF-67 with and without 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidine oxoammonium salt (TEMPO)-oxidized cellulose nanofibril (TOCNF). All synthesis procedures take place at room temperature via a one-pot procedure. The synthesis steps were followed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transforms infrared (FT-IR). Data indicated the formation of metal oxide that converted to a pure phase of ZIFs after the addition of the organic linker i.e. 2-methyl imidazole (Hmim). The materials were characterized using XRD, FT-IR, SEM, energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms, and X-ray photoelectron microscope (XPS). Data analysis confirms the synthesis of ZIFs into Whatman® filter paper. The materials were used for the reduction of pollutants such as 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) compound to 4-aminophenol (4-AP). The materials exhibit high potential for water treatment and may open new exploration for hybrid materials consisting of cellulose and ZIFs.

Influence of cellulose separators in coin-sized 3D printed paper-based microbial fuel cells

A uniformly porous, well-structured and disposable paper-based energy harvesting device is essential for making a totally paper-based structure that can work autonomously and self-sustainably. In this context, a cellulose filter paper is used for dual purpose for electrode support as well as a separator. The present work presents a flexible, coin sized fully paper-based microbial fuel cell which can generate a power of 11.8 µW/cm2 using E. Coli as the biocatalyst. The electrical conductivity of the electrodes was leveraged using metal based ink and nanoparticles on anode and cathode respectively. This is the first study which reports the impact of separator characteristics on the power production of the fuel cell using six different grades of filter paper. The experiment results show that the separator with small pore size and nominal thickness offer less resistance to mass transfer process. This cost-effective and frugal fabrication of fuel cell can be used indispensably for powering a variety of low power point-of-care devices.