Sensors use electrical energy from insect repellents

A team of researchers led by Daniel Scherson, a chemistry professor at Case Western Reserve University in Ohio, USA, has successfully developed transplanted biofuel cells (producing electricity from the source The chemicals available in the cockroach are used to provide power to the devices (sensors, recorders, error controllers ...) integrated into the insect (cockroach) body.

The results of this study were published online in the Journal of the American Chemical Society.

The results of this study show that: You easily control insects (cockroaches) through the use of sensors or devices that stimulate nerve cells (operated by the generated electricity). From the chemical sources inside the cockroach itself.

The key to the transformation process is the use of a series of enzymes at the poles. The first enzyme breaks down the sugar: trehalose, which is continuously produced from the cockroach's food, into two simpler sugars (the first electrode inserted in the abdominal cavity of the cockroach) . The second enzyme will oxidize monosaccharides and release electrons. Electrons move towards the cathode, where the oxygen reaction (from the air) converts electrons to electrons and produces water.

Because insects have open circulatory system so the blood circulation is not subject to much pressure. To determine the output of fuel cells, the researchers used a voltage regulator. Capacity is close to 100 microwatts (with a voltage of about 0.2V) per square centimeter. Maximum current power is about 450 microamps per square centimeter.

Researchers are working on materials to make fuel cells (and energy-efficient, rechargeable, rechargeable batteries) that can be implanted on the body. insects (cockroaches) that ensure this insect flies still fly, working normally.

In the future, an insect (cockroach, for example) will be equipped with a sensor to measure the amount of harmful gases in a room, and transmit measurement results via radio waves; Use batteries that can recharge for hours before resuming operation.