The Battery Powered by Magic Mushrooms:

Believe it or not, scientists have created a battery powered by fungi that needs feeding, not recharging. Developed by the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA), this enterprising research gave birth to a 3D-printed, biodegradable fungal battery, which can operate sensors for agriculture or research in remote regions. Once its job is done, the self-digesting battery breaks down in a very eco-friendly manner.

Fungi Are Not Only for Eating Anymore:

The research led to a functional fungal battery that doesn’t churn out heaps of electricity, but just enough to operate a temperature sensor for a few days. Apart from this, the battery is non-toxic and biodegradable– a great advantage over traditional batteries. The main mover and shaker in this innovative system is a microbial fuel cell that employs microbial metabolism to capture and convert energy into electricity.

The Making of a Fungi Battery:

The fungal battery is not simply a structure hosting fungi; the fungi are part of the cell right from its creation. The components of the battery are made using 3D printing, allowing researchers to design electrodes in a way that the microorganisms can consume nutrients more easily. The battery gets its form with the fungi mixed into the printing ink, a tricky process requiring a balancing act between materials conducive to fungal growth and those that maintain cell survival and electrical conductivity.

From Lab Experiment to Future Plans:

The biodegradable battery could be stored dry and activated on location by adding water and nutrients. Although this brought up challenges, the research integrated microbiology, materials science, and electrical engineering, leading to a successful outcome. Now, the aim is to enhance the battery's power and longevity – and to scout for other kinds of fungi that might be potential electricity suppliers.

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