Biological battery
The biological battery addresses the challenges of high costs and frequent replacements in existing medical device batteries by using a patient's bodily fluids and microneedle patches for natural electrochemical reactions, achieving high voltage output and long-lasting device operation.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/IB2024/060852
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-11-05
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-03
- Publication Date
- 2025-05-08
AI Technical Summary
Existing biological batteries for medical devices, such as hearing aids, face challenges including high manufacturing costs, complexity, and the need for frequent battery replacements due to low energy efficiency and compatibility issues.
A biological battery that utilizes a patient's bodily fluids, such as blood, and eliminates the need for expensive membranes, enzymes, and complex manufacturing processes by using a simple design with microneedle patches that attach to the skin, allowing for natural electrochemical reactions to generate electricity.
The biological battery achieves a significantly higher voltage output compared to previous inventions, allowing for prolonged device operation without the need for replacement or recharging, while also reducing health risks and manufacturing costs.
Smart Images

Figure IB2024060852_08052025_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
BIOLOGICAL BATTERY RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to and is a continuation of Iran Application Number 140250140003005389, filed on November 5, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. BACKGROUND STATE OF THE PRIOR ART
[0002] No company yet succeeded in manufacturing and marketing the biological battery of the present disclosure. The biological battery of the present disclosure may be an enzymatic biofuel cell that may directly operate with a patient's blood, and may be biocompatible and / or inexpensive. A few inventions in this field can be mentioned. The invention of biocompatible enzymatic electrodes using gold nanowires, platinum, and carbon nanotubes was carried out in US patent number US2005 / 0118494A1. The cost of manufacturing these electrodes is high. Moreover, the biocompatibility of these electrodes is also debatable. The use of biocompatible catalysts for the oxidation of glucose and the reduction of oxygen in a fuel cell is described in US patent number US2008 / 7419580 B2. These electrodes have the problems of high cost of catalyst manufacturing and catalyst poisoning during prolonged contact with physiological fluids. The use of diphenylalanine dipeptide to prepare biocompatible and inexpensive electrodes is described in US patent number US2007 / 0138007 A1. This dipeptide is not electrically conductive, which increases the electrical resistance of a fuel cell circuit. Micro / nanostructures formed from this peptide are not chemically stable. In another invention, a diphenylalanine-silver composite was used for anodic and cathodic electrodes, which requires the expenditure of costs to produce a special composite and deposit special materials on it. Whereas, in this invention, there is no need to use a composite or deposit special compounds on the surface of the electrodes to increase the contact surface of the anodicand cathodic electrodes. Also, in this invention, neither gold nanowires nor platinum nanowires nor carbon nanotubes are used, nor are special catalysts for oxidation-reduction reactions, nor specific enzymes, nor dipeptides, nor diphenylalanine-silver composites.
[0003] Furthermore, no gold nanoparticles were deposited on the surface of the electrodes. Instead, a much simpler and easier approach was adopted, without any of the aforementioned methods. Additionally, there is no need for a specific enzyme or enzyme immobilization, which are costly processes commonly employed in similar inventions. The use of composites and specific compounds for electrode coating, such as carbon nanotubes or gold nanoparticles, and the use of specific enzymes, all of which are expensive, have been eliminated in the biological battery of the present disclosure. Moreover, the enzyme immobilization stage is a time-consuming, costly, and challenging process that is impractical for a patient's body. In the biological battery of the present disclosure, the enzyme immobilization stage has also been eliminated. In the biological battery of the present disclosure, the middle membrane between the two electrodes, which is usually Nafion or a similar composite, has been removed, significantly reducing the cost of manufacturing this cell. This is because the cost of manufacturing or purchasing Nafion membranes is very high. On the other hand, the amount of electrical energy produced by the biological battery of the present disclosure is much higher than microbial and enzymatic batteries. The only significant aspects of the present disclosure are designing and the arrangement of the electrodes with the electrolyte, which is a completely unique process. The biological battery of the present disclosure has been developed through experimentation and numerous tests. Moreover, as long as the electrolyte is present, this cell continues to operate and generates electricity, and a device powered by the biological battery of the present disclosure will never need battery replacement or charging. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING INVENTIONS
[0004] https: / / www.chemistryworld.com / news / its-in-the- blood / 1003905.articleIn this case, a fuel cell that operates with blood is used, but the generated electricity is very low. Moreover, it has not yet been implanted in a patient's body, meaning it has large dimensions and cannot be implanted.
[0005] https: / / www.nationalgeographic.com / news / 2010 / 9 / 100914-fuel-cell- biofuels-medical-implants-human-health / This article mentions the use of two graphite disks coated with special enzymes.
[0006] https: / / www.sciencedirect.com / science / article / abs / pii / S0378775315 007466 In this case, glucose oxidase, glutaraldehyde, and carbon nanotubes are used as a bio-anode. The power obtained is 20 mW cm-2 under specific conditions, and this fuel cell is a combination of multi-walled carbon nanotubes and a mixture of glucose oxidase and glutaraldehyde. In the end, the voltage obtained is very low, around 0.38 volts.
[0007] https: / / www.offgridenergyindependence.com / articles / 1388 / microbial -fuel-cell-powered-by-blood Here, a fuel cell developed in Canada that operates with blood is mentioned, but the current density is very low, around nanowatts, which is insufficient for powering implantable devices.
[0008] PMID: 12960964 DOI: 10.1038 / nbt867 https: / / www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov / pubmed / 12960964 / In this article, a schematic of a blood vessel section is shown with metals placed in it to form the shape of fuel cell electrodes. This is a very difficult process and requires surgery, with the consequences that follow. However, the biological battery of the present disclosure is placed on the patient's skin as a patch at the desired location, outside the patient's body.
[0009] https: / / www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov / pmc / articles / PMC3373597 / Here, a bio-fuel cell capable of implantation is created and used for implantation in the brain. Semiconductors are used here, as well as Nafion sheets as a membrane between the electrodes. Enzymes and variouscatalysts are also used, and in the end, the amount of current obtained is insufficient. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] While the techniques presented herein may be embodied in alternative forms, the particular embodiments illustrated in the drawings are only a few examples that are supplemental of the description provided herein. These embodiments are not to be interpreted in a limiting manner, such as limiting the claims appended hereto.
[0011] Fig. 1 illustrates a side view of a biological battery, highlighting its various cells, according to some embodiments.
[0012] Fig.2 illustrates a view of different components of a biological battery, according to some embodiments.
[0013] Fig.3 illustrates movable sections of a biological battery, according to some embodiments.
[0014] Fig.4 illustrates a plurality of switches associated with a plurality of cells related to a biological battery, indicating an output voltage, an output current, and / or an output power, according to some embodiments.
[0015] Fig.5 illustrates a plurality of switches pressed down and immersed in an electrolyte, according to some embodiments.
[0016] Fig.6 illustrates a schematic of a microneedle patch, according to some embodiments.
[0017] Fig.7 illustrates a microneedle patch attached to a person's neck, and a wire connects it to battery terminals of a hearing aid, according to some embodiments.
[0018] Fig.8 illustrates a plurality of microneedle patches attached to various areas of a body of a patient, according to some embodiments.
[0019] Fig.9 illustrates a plurality of medical applications of a biological battery within a plurality of implantable medical devices, according to some embodiments.DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] The following subject matter may be embodied in a variety of different forms, such as methods, compositions, materials, and / or systems. Accordingly, this subject matter is not intended to be construed as limited to any example embodiments set forth herein. Rather, example embodiments are provided merely to be illustrative.
[0021] Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lower limit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range is encompassed within the disclosure. Ranges from any lower limit to any upper limit are contemplated. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges which may independently be included in the smaller ranges is also encompassed within the disclosure, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either both of those included limits are also included in the disclosure.
[0022] Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the present disclosure, the preferred methods and materials are now described. All publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference to disclose and described the methods and / or materials in connection with which the publications are cited.
[0023] It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “and”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0024] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The terminology used in the description of the disclosure herein is for describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. All publications, patent applications, patents, figures and other references mentioned herein are expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety.
[0025] The present disclosure provides a biological battery comprising: one or more types of bodily fluid; two or more electrodes; one or more wires; and one or more containers configured to house at least a portion of the one or more types of bodily fluid, at least a portion the two or more electrodes and at least a portion of the one or more wires.
[0026] In accordance with the present disclosure, a biological battery may be provided. In some examples, the biological battery is utilized in one or more types of technical filed. The one or more types of technical filed may be medical engineering, medical equipment, manufacturing of smart bio-hearing aids, electronics, chemical and electrical energy storage, enzyme-based bio- fuel cells, nanotechnology and / or nano-biotechnology.
[0027] The present disclosure may be utilized in all electrical devices requiring batteries. In some examples, the biological battery of the present disclosure may be utilized in hearing aids and may attempt to highlight the significant points of replacing this kind of battery in hearing aids and its advantages. After providing a hearing aid, a battery is required for its use. In some cases, if a hearing aid does not work well and when there is difficulty hearing environmental sounds, one of the reasons may be depletion of the hearing aid battery. Replacing hearing aid batteries is one of the major problems and discomforts for users of this device. Approximately fifty million people worldwide use hearing aids, which equates to an annual consumption of two billion zinc-air batteries by these users. Due to the need to charge batteries, especially heart batteries, which can result in patient mortality during surgery, there is a critical need for a long-lasting battery that can endure for an extended period. One of technical Problems in current hearing aids is premature battery depletion. Current hearing aid batteries typically last only 2-3 days, requiring frequent replacements. Most of current hearing aid batteries are non-rechargeable, leading to disposal and the need for frequent purchases. Incompatible batteries can introduce noise and distort sound quality. Elderly, children, and infants may struggle to change current batteries independently. Based upon lack of awareness, young children and infants may not notice when their hearing aid battery is depleted. Changing batteries is a time-consuming process. Incompatibility between batteries and hearingaids can introduce noise and distortion. Environmental factors such as humidity and temperature fluctuations may adversely affect performance of current batteries.
[0028] In some examples, the biological battery of the present disclosure may be an implantable biological battery. In some examples, the biological battery of the present disclosure may enhance convenience for users. In some examples, the biological battery of the present disclosure may improve sound quality. In some examples, the biological battery of the present disclosure may comprise a high energy efficiency. In some examples, the biological battery of the present disclosure may be a long-life battery. In some examples, the biological battery of the present disclosure may simplify usage and / or may be a versatile battery. In some examples, the biological battery of a hearing aid may use a body's blood and may be implanted into the body. In some examples, the biological battery of a hearing aid may provide a solution for individuals, especially the elderly, children, and infants, who may have difficulty changing batteries. In some examples, the biological battery may eliminate noise and distortion caused by other incompatible batteries. In some examples, the biological battery is utilized to provide sufficient power for extended periods. In some examples, the biological battery may last for years, potentially a lifetime, without requiring replacement. In some examples, usage of the biological battery is simple and the biological battery may reduce a risk of complications for its users. In some examples, the biological battery may be used in a wide range of electronic devices, including mobile chargers, tablets, laptops, and / or medical devices like pacemakers and insulin pumps.
[0029] The biological battery of the present disclosure eliminates the need for surgery and implanting a battery within blood vessels. Instead, it can be easily attached to the skin and utilize the person's blood. Unlike previous implants that required surgical procedures to place a component or microchip within the patient's body, the biological battery can be simply placed on the desired location of the patient's skin. The biological battery can also be easily replaced.
[0030] The creation and construction of the biological battery of the present disclosure are straightforward and do not require any complexprocedures. The biological battery leverages electrochemical reactions that occur naturally and release energy. Importantly, the biological battery of the present disclosure utilizes the same natural substances found within the body, such as blood. In contrast, other inventions employ batteries with toxic chemicals enclosed in casings to prevent contact with the body, wherein such contact can corrode the battery, damage the casing, and release harmful substances into the body. However, the biological battery of the present disclosure exclusively uses the individual's blood, ensuring full biocompatibility and eliminating the need for chemical electrolytes.
[0031] Another significant advantage of the present disclosure is the elimination of the need for surgery and implanting the biological battery within blood vessels or body tissues. Previous inventions involving blood-powered batteries have invariably required surgical procedures to implant the battery within the patient's blood vessels. This poses several challenges, including the need for a skilled surgeon, the risk of vascular rupture during surgery, and the long-term presence of a foreign object within the body, which can lead to complications such as vascular occlusion. To address these issues, the biological battery of the present disclosure may be inserted into a blood vessel but later sought a simpler solution that would eliminate the need for surgery and reduce the risk of complications such as infection and vascular rupture. This solution was found in the form of a needle patch, that significantly simplifies the process. Needle patches are currently used as an alternative to injections, causing minimal pain or skin damage. Applying a simple patch to the skin is far less invasive and risky than complex surgeries to implant a battery within blood vessels. This design makes the biological battery of the present disclosure user-friendly and reduces many risks for a patient, while also lowering costs.
[0032] Therefore, a significant aspect of the present disclosure is the use of a plurality of microneedle patches, which simplify this complex process to the level of applying an adhesive bandage or a decorative sticker. This is one of the most valuable and important features of the present disclosure, making it more beneficial and significant than any other existing inventions. It is worth noting that the number of very small needles (microneedles) in the plurality ofe patches can vary depending on the battery's requirements and the desired voltage output of the biological battery.
[0033] Furthermore, a noteworthy and important point about the present disclosure is a significantly higher voltage output compared to other tested inventions. The biological battery of the present disclosure allows for the easy generation of a high voltage of between 1 to 25 volts without the need for any amplifiers or energy storage devices, which is sufficient to power devices such as hearing aids.
[0034] Currently, it is common to use Nafion membranes, coatings, carbon nanotubes, various nanoparticles, and specific enzymes on electrodes. However, the biological battery of the present disclosure employs an approach that has never been used in any previous inventions. This innovation lies at the core of the battery's operation and is the result of creativity within the present disclosure.
[0035] The use of an impermeable or plastic layer between two membranes is contrary to what is mentioned in articles and patents. In those cases, the two membranes are either in direct contact or a Nafion membrane is used for proton exchange. However, in the biological battery of the present disclosure, the two membranes are completely separated by a plastic barrier, preventing any interaction between them. This design leads to optimal performance and high-voltage output.
[0036] The biological battery of the present disclosure has commercial potential and addresses a long-standing technical problem in bio-fuel cells related to producing high voltage. The present disclosure comprises a method that does not rely on numerous nanoparticles, materials, membranes, enzymes, or coating methods.
[0037] The voltage and amperage produced by the biological battery of the present disclosure are significantly higher than those reported in previous inventions, making it easy to power electronic devices.
[0038] The manufacturing process of the biological battery of the present disclosure involves cutting selected metals into appropriate pieces and then connecting them in pairs using thin wires. These pairs are then placed indedicated compartments. Each compartment is filled with the desired electrolyte. For medical applications, this electrolyte can be bodily fluids. The device has been tested with various bodily fluids, including blood, peritoneal fluid, cerebrospinal fluid, interstitial fluid, and / or urine. Additionally, substances like garden soil, dry clay, plant and flower extracts, natural vinegar, fresh lemon juice, liquid glucose, raw and cooked potato puree, and / or others have been used as electrolytes, resulting in high-voltage outputs.
[0039] In some examples, a very small amount of blood, two types of metals for cutting and creating electrodes, containers that can be made of metal, glass, or plastic, and / or thin wires (e.g., wires of telephone cables) are provided to produce the biological battery of the present disclosure. The biological battery is constructed using the above materials as described in previous sections. A substance (e.g., various bodily fluids, including blood, peritoneal fluid, cerebrospinal fluid, interstitial fluid, and / or urine) is then injected into the containers as an electrolyte.
[0040] The present disclosure introduces an approach that has not been explored in conventional devices. Unlike traditional methods, the present disclosure does not use any specific enzymes. Additionally, the Nafion membrane, commonly used in most such cells to improve efficiency, has been completely eliminated. This reduces the number of components, the size and weight of the device, and the manufacturing costs, while also simplifying the electricity generation mechanism. Moreover, the absence of the membrane results in higher current and voltage output. The present disclosure also avoids the time-consuming, costly, and complex process of enzyme immobilization, which is commonly used in enzymatic biofuel cells.
[0041] Fig.1 illustrates a side view of a biological battery, highlighting its various cells. In this section, a completely biological battery is developed wherein the biological battery operates with blood and any other types of electrolyte.
[0042] Fig.2 illustrates a view of different components of the biological battery. In some examples, the biological battery may comprise a movable section 201 of movable sections that can be inserted and removed likecartridges. In some examples, the movable sections may be essentially a plurality of cells. In some examples, the biological battery may comprise a metal electrode 202. In some examples, the metal electrode 202 may be made of copper. In some examples, the biological battery may comprise a second metal electrode 203. In some examples, the second metal electrode 203 may be made of aluminum. In some examples, the biological battery may comprise a switch 204, wherein the switch 204 may indicate an output voltage, an output current, and an output power. In some examples, pressing the switch 204 may allow to access specific voltage, current, and power levels. In some examples, the biological battery may comprise a copper wire 205, wherein the copper wire 205 may connect the metal electrode 202 to the second metal electrode 203. In some examples, the biological battery may comprise a second copper wire 206, wherein the second copper wire is connected to the metal electrode 202. In some examples, the biological battery may comprise a reservoir 207 wherein the reservoir 207 may contain the plurality of cells. In some examples, the biological battery may comprise the reservoir 207 wherein the reservoir 207 may contain the movable sections. In some examples, the biological battery may comprise an inlet pipe 208 through which an electrolyte fluid 209 enters the reservoir 207. In some examples, the electrolyte fluid 209 may be a blood, a cerebrospinal fluid, an interstitial fluid. In some examples, the biological battery may comprise a positive terminal (+ terminal) and / or a negative terminal (- terminal).
[0043] Fig.3 illustrates the movable sections (e.g., the plurality of cells), wherein the movable sections may be easily detached from the biological battery and a number of the movable sections may be increased or decreased. In some examples, the movable sections may be a plurality of cartridges. As shown in Fig.3, a reservoir (e.g., the reservoir 207) is shown at the bottom of the Fig.3 where an electrolyte is introduced, and a plurality of electrodes are placed inside. A fluid may enter the plurality of cells through a plurality of holes placed at the top of the reservoir and / or may fill each cell as an electrolyte. In some examples, the movable sections may be inserted and removed like cartridges.
[0044] Fig.4 illustrates a plurality of switches associated with a plurality of cells, indicating an output voltage, an output current, and / or an output power. In some examples, a user may select a desired voltage and / or a desired current based upon a power requirements associated with a device. In some examples, a voltage and / or a current associated with the device may be completely customizable. As shown in Fig.4, no switch is activated, and no electrode is immersed in an electrolyte solution. By activating the plurality of switches, one or more levers may move down, immersing at least two connected electrodes in an electrolyte, thus activating the biological battery with a corresponding number of cells and generating an electric current. Each switch of the switches shown a corresponding voltage value. For example, upon pushing a first switch, the biological battery produces a first voltage (e.g., 1 volt). For example, upon pushing a first switch and a second switch, the biological battery produces a second voltage (e.g., 2 volts). For example, upon pushing a first switch, a second switch and a third switch, the biological battery produces a third voltage (e.g., 3 volts). In some examples, the biological battery generates a voltage range between about 1 volt to about 25 volts. In some examples, the biological battery generates a voltage range between about 0.001 volts to about 220 volts or more. In some examples, the biological battery may utilize a voltage booster module to increase a quantity of voltage level.
[0045] Fig.5 illustrates the plurality of switches pressed down and immersed in the electrolyte, indicating that the biological battery is activated.
[0046] Fig.6 illustrates a schematic of a microneedle patch used for injecting vaccines and other substances into infants. In some examples, the microneedle patch comprises a body 610. In some examples, the microneedle patch may comprise a plurality of needles 611 (e.g., a plurality of electrodes), wherein the plurality of needles 611 may be made of a specific metal, serving as one electrode. In some examples, at least a first needle of the plurality of needles 611 may be a first electrode and may be made of a first metal. In some examples, at least a second needle of the plurality of needles 611 may be a second electrode and may be made of a second metal. In some examples, instead of using usual polymer needles in injection patches, theplurality of needles 611 are made of specific metals. In some examples a copper wire 612a may be connected to the first electrode of the plurality of electrodes. In some examples a second copper wire 612b may be connected to a second electrode 614 of the plurality of electrodes (e.g., a last electrode of the plurality of electrodes). In some examples, the microneedle patch may comprise a positive terminal (+ terminal) and / or a negative terminal (- terminal).
[0047] Fig.7 illustrates the microneedle patch of the present disclosure, wherein the microneedle patch is attached to a person's neck, and a wire connects it to the battery terminals of a hearing aid. In some examples, the microneedle patch is used for transdermal delivery (e.g., skin injection) and / or a connecting wire may connect the microneedle patch of the present disclosure to a battery compartment in a hearing aid (as shown in Fig.6). In some examples, the hearing aid may be placed inside an ear of a deaf person (e.g., a patient).
[0048] Fig.8 illustrates a plurality of microneedle patches of the present disclosure, wherein the plurality of microneedles are attached to various areas of a body of a patient.
[0049] Fig.9 illustrates a plurality of medical applications of the biological battery of the present disclosure within a plurality of implantable medical devices. In some examples, the plurality of implantable devices are deep brain neurostimulator 901, gastric stimulator 902, foot drop stimulator 903, cochlear implant 904, retinal implant 905, cardiac defibrillator pacemaker 906, spinal cord stimulator 907 and / or insulin pump 908.
[0050] In some examples, an advantage of the biological battery of the present disclosure is reduced health risks. In some examples, the biological battery of the present disclosure eliminates the risk of post-surgical infections. In some examples, the biological battery of the present disclosure eliminates the risk of infections caused by a foreign object incompatible with the body's nature within a blood vessel. In some examples, the biological battery of the present disclosure eliminates the risks associated with bleeding due to vascular rupture during or after surgery to implant a device within a bloodvessel. In some examples, the biological battery of the present disclosure eliminates the need for strong antibiotics to prevent infections caused by a foreign object within a blood vessel and after surgery.
[0051] In some examples, an advantage of the biological battery of the present disclosure is reduced treatment time and duration. In some examples, the biological battery of the present disclosure eliminates the need for surgery to implant a device (biological battery) within the patient's blood vessel. In some examples, the biological battery of the present disclosure eliminates the need to find a skilled surgeon to perform such a complex procedure. In some examples, the biological battery of the present disclosure eliminates the need for post-operative care for a complex surgery.
[0052] In some examples, an advantage of the biological battery of the present disclosure is reduced costs. In some examples, the biological battery of the present disclosure eliminates hospital costs for surgery. In some examples, the biological battery of the present disclosure eliminates hospital costs for special post-operative care and specialized conditions. In some examples, the biological battery of the present disclosure eliminates the costs of post-operative medications. In some examples, since the biological battery of the present disclosure operates based on naturally occurring reactions, it requires minimal manufacturing costs.
[0053] In some examples, additional advantages of the biological battery of the present disclosure is that the biological battery (i) does not use carbon nanotubes, which are highly toxic and expensive, (ii) eliminates the use of expensive membranes like Nafion, (iii) can be easily attached to the skin and uses the person's blood, eliminating the need for surgery, (iv) provides a significantly higher voltage compared to other inventions, allowing for powering various medical devices without the need for additional power sources, and (v) can be easily manufactured using natural and inexpensive materials.
[0054] In some examples, overall benefits of the biological battery of the present disclosure is that the biological battery (i) solves all the problemsassociated with traditional batteries, and (ii) requires no charging or replacement.
[0055] In some examples, the biological battery may utilize an adhesive patch containing microscopic needles that, upon contact with the outer layer of a skin, establish a connection with the body's blood. In some examples, the needles are biocompatible and do not harm the body. In some examples, the material of these needles varies depending on choosing a type of electrode material. For example, if an aluminum electrode is required, an aluminum needle may be used, if a copper electrode is required, a copper needle may be used, and / or similarly, for other electrodes. In some examples, to prevent corrosion of these electrodes (needles), two approaches may be employed. In some examples, a first method may be using magnesium metal, which is placed above the electrodes to participate in ionization reactions and prevent corrosion. In some examples, the second method may be coating the electrodes with anti-corrosion materials that do not affect the conductivity of the electrodes.
[0056] In some examples, the adhesive patch may be placed on a skin of a patient. In some examples, when the microscopic needles penetrate the skin tissue and come into contact with the blood, the electrodes may be in contact with the blood. In some examples, the electrolyte in this cell or the biological battery is the blood. In some examples, when the electrodes come into contact with the blood, the biological battery begins to operate and generates an electric current. In some examples, as long as the electrodes are in contact with the blood, the generating the electric current may continue without any drop.
[0057] In some examples, a prototype of the biological battery has been created and has operated continuously for months without any interruption or voltage drop. In some examples, wires of the biological battery are connected in series. In some examples, all electrodes are placed in sequential order, and the two ends of the wires, from the starting point (the first electrode) to the endpoint (the last electrode), represent the positive and negative terminals of the biological battery. In some examples, the two wire ends, which are the terminals of the biological battery are connected to the hearing aid's batterycompartment, and the hearing aid turns on. In some examples, the required voltage for the hearing aid is between about 1 volt to about 25 volts. In some examples, the required voltage for the hearing aid is between about 3 volts to about 3.5 volts. In some examples, the generated voltage by the biological battery is between about 1 volt to about 25 volts. In some examples, the generated voltage by the biological battery is between about 3 volts to about 3.7 volts.
[0058] In some examples, the biological battery of the present disclosure may comprise different industrial applications. In some examples, the biological battery of the present disclosure may be used in all electrical devices requiring batteries, including portable chargers for mobile phones, tablets, laptops, and medical devices such as pacemakers, insulin pumps, hearing aids, artificial hearts, drug pumps, etc. In some examples, the biological battery may have an ability to adjust the voltage and power output for each electrical device by changing the electrolyte and electrodes.
[0059] In some examples, the biological battery of the present disclosure may be an enzymatic biological battery that differs significantly from conventional enzymatic bio-batteries. In some examples, upon an innovative design, the biological battery may produce a wide range of voltages, allowing users to adjust the output to match the specific requirements of their electrical devices.
[0060] In some examples, unlike traditional methods, the biological battery does not rely on nanomaterials like gold nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, and / or graphene. In some examples, the biological battery does not use the nanomaterials like the gold nanoparticles, the carbon nanotubes, and / or the graphene.
[0061] In some examples, the biological battery may use natural enzymes found in blood or other electrolytes. In some examples, the biological battery may eliminate the need for artificial enzymes or enzyme immobilization.
[0062] In some examples, the biological battery may produce voltages exceeding 3 volts, which is unprecedented.
[0063] In some examples, a biological battery (bio-battery) is provided, wherein the bio-battery includes one or more types of bodily fluid; two or more electrodes; one or more wires; and one or more containers configured to house at least a portion of the one or more types of bodily fluid, at least a portion the two or more electrodes and at least a portion of the one or more wires.
[0064] In some examples, the one or more types of bodily fluid comprise a blood; a cerebrospinal fluid; a urine; a peritoneal fluid; and / or an interstitial fluid.
[0065] In some examples, the bio-battery is utilized in one or more electrical devices.
[0066] In some examples, the one or more electrical devices comprise mobile chargers; tablets; laptops; and / or medical devices. In some examples, the medical devices comprise hearing aids; cochlear implants; pacemakers; artificial hearts; insulin pumps; drug pumps; retinal implants; and / or nerve stimulators.
[0067] In some examples, the two or more electrodes comprise two or more metal electrodes.
[0068] In some examples, the two or more metal electrodes are cut into two or more pieces and connected pairwise using the one or more wires within the one or more containers.
[0069] In some examples, each container of the one or more containers are filled with the one or more types of bodily fluid.
[0070] In some examples, the one or more types of bodily fluid comprise one or more electrolyte fluids.
[0071] In some examples, the bio-battery is a patch comprising a plurality of needles.
[0072] In some examples, the patch is configured to attach to an outer layer of a body skin; and / or the plurality of needles are configured to be in contact with a body’s blood.
[0073] In some examples, the plurality of needles are a plurality of microneedles.
[0074] In some examples, a quantity of the plurality of microneedles is selected based upon at least one of type of usage or required voltage of one or more electrical devices.
[0075] In some examples, the plurality of needles are a plurality of metal needles.
[0076] In some examples, a material of the plurality of needles is the same as the two or more electrodes.
[0077] In some examples, a magnesium metal covers at least a portion of the two or more electrodes to prevent corrosion of the two or more electrodes; and / or a magnesium metal covers at least a portion of the plurality of needles to prevent corrosion of the plurality of needles.
[0078] In some examples, one or more anti-corrosion materials are utilized to maintain conductivity and electron transfer of the two or more electrodes.
[0079] In some examples, the plurality of needles penetrate the body skin and be in contact with the body's blood.
[0080] In some examples, the plurality of needles are the two or more electrodes; and / or the body’s blood is an electrolyte.
[0081] In some examples, a voltage obtained by the bio-battery is between about 0.1 volt to about 25 volts; and / or between about 2 volts to about 12 volts.
[0082] In some examples, the plurality of wires are connected in series; the two or more electrodes are placed in series; a first side of a first wire connected to a first electrode of the bio-battery is a positive terminal of the bio-battery; and / or a second side of the first wire connected to a second electrode of the bio-battery is a negative terminal of the bio-battery.
[0083] Unless specified otherwise, “first,” “second,” and / or the like are not intended to imply a temporal aspect, a spatial aspect, an ordering, etc. Rather, such terms are merely used as identifiers, names, etc. for features, elements, items, etc. For example, a first object and a second objectgenerally correspond to object A and object B or two different or two identical objects or the same object.
[0084] Moreover, "example" is used herein to mean serving as an instance, illustration, etc., and not necessarily as advantageous. As used herein, "or" is intended to mean an inclusive "or" rather than an exclusive "or". In addition, "a" and "an" as used in this application are generally be construed to mean "one or more" unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form. Also, at least one of A and B and / or the like generally means A or B or both A and B. Furthermore, to the extent that "includes", "having", "has", "with", and / or variants thereof are used in either the detailed description or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising”.
[0085] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing at least some of the claims.
[0086] Various operations of embodiments and / or examples are provided herein. The order in which some or all of the operations are described herein should not be construed as to imply that these operations are necessarily order dependent. Alternative ordering will be appreciated by one skilled in the art having the benefit of this description. Further, it will be understood that not all operations are necessarily present in each embodiment and / or example provided herein. Also, it will be understood that not all operations are necessary in some embodiments and / or examples.
[0087] Also, although the disclosure has been shown and described with respect to one or more implementations, equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art based upon a reading and understanding of this specification and the annexed drawings. The disclosure includes all such modifications and alterations and is limited only by the scope of the following claims. In particular regard to the various functions performedby the above described components (e.g., elements, resources, etc.), the terms used to describe such components are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any component which performs the specified function of the described component (e.g., that is functionally equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure. In addition, while a particular feature of the disclosure may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application.
Claims
CLAIMS What is claimed:
1. A biological battery (bio-battery) comprising: one or more types of bodily fluid; two or more electrodes; one or more wires; and one or more containers configured to house at least a portion of the one or more types of bodily fluid, at least a portion the two or more electrodes and at least a portion of the one or more wires.
2. The bio-battery of claim 1, wherein the one or more types of bodily fluid comprise at least one of: a blood; a cerebrospinal fluid; a urine; a peritoneal fluid; or an interstitial fluid.
3. The bio-battery of claim 1, wherein the bio-battery is utilized in one or more electrical devices.
4. The bio-battery of claim 3, wherein the one or more electrical devices comprise at least one of: mobile chargers; tablets; laptops; or medical devices wherein the medical devices comprise at least one of: hearing aids; cochlear implants; pacemakers; artificial hearts;insulin pumps; drug pumps; retinal implants; or nerve stimulators.
5. The bio-battery of claim 1, wherein the two or more electrodes comprise two or more metal electrodes.
6. The bio-battery of claim 5, wherein the two or more metal electrodes are cut into two or more pieces and connected pairwise using the one or more wires within the one or more containers.
7. The bio-battery of claim 1, wherein each container of the one or more containers are filled with the one or more types of bodily fluid.
8. The bio-battery of claim 7, wherein the one or more types of bodily fluid comprise one or more electrolyte fluids.
9. The bio-battery of claim 1, wherein the bio-battery is a patch comprising a plurality of needles.
10. The bio-battery of claim 9, wherein at least one of: the patch is configured to attach to an outer layer of a body skin; or the plurality of needles are configured to be in contact with a body’s blood.
11. The bio-battery of claim 9, wherein the plurality of needles are a plurality of microneedles.
12. The bio-battery of claim 9, wherein a quantity of the plurality of microneedles is selected based upon at least one of type of usage or required voltage of one or more electrical devices.
13. The bio-battery of claim 9, the plurality of needles are a plurality of metal needles.
14. The bio-battery of claim 13, a material of the plurality of needles is the same as the two or more electrodes.
15. The bio-battery of claim 14, wherein at least one of: a magnesium metal covers at least a portion of the two or more electrodes to prevent corrosion of the two or more electrodes; or a magnesium metal covers at least a portion of the plurality of needles to prevent corrosion of the plurality of needles.
16. The bio-battery of claim 14, wherein one or more anti-corrosion materials are utilized to maintain conductivity and electron transfer of the two or more electrodes.
17. The bio-battery of claim 10, wherein the plurality of needles penetrate the body skin and be in contact with the body's blood.
18. The bio-battery of claim 17, wherein at least one of: the plurality of needles are the two or more electrodes; or the body’s blood is an electrolyte.
19. The bio-battery of claim 1, wherein a voltage obtained by the bio- battery is at least one of: between about 0.1 volt to about 25 volts; or between about 2 volts to about 12 volts.
20. The bio-battery of claim 1, wherein at least one of: the plurality of wires are connected in series; the two or more electrodes are placed in series; a first side of a first wire connected to a first electrode of the bio-battery is a positive terminal of the bio-battery; ora second side of a second wire connected to a second electrode of the bio-battery is a negative terminal of the bio-battery.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
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