Medical What potential applications could biofuel cells have in the medical field?

[Ryan_m_b]

This is a very cool development. I'd be excited to see what other applications this could have.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-15305579

Their gadget, called a biofuel cell, uses glucose and oxygen at concentrations found in the body to generate electricity.

They are the first group in the world to demonstrate their device working while implanted in a living animal. If all goes to plan, within a decade or two, biofuel cells may be used to power a range of medical implants, from sensors and drug delivery devices to entire artificial organs. All you'll need to do to power them up is eat a candy bar, or drink a coke.

 

[Greg Bernhardt]

Amazing! I heart science!

 

[zoobyshoe]

I'm heartless, I guess, and I find this application a lot more exiting:

Implants aren't the only place you may find bio fuel cells in the future. The electronics giant Sony recently announced that it had created a biofuel cell fuelled with glucose and water that was capable of powering an MP3 player. "In 10 years time you may see bio fuel cells in laptops and mobile phones," said Prof Willner.

The prospect of getting power directly from sugar without the intervening step of fermenting it into alcohol is pretty amazing. I hope this goes somewhere.

 

[atyy]

Maybe it can be a weight loss device.