Enzymatic Glucose Biofuel Cell and its Application

Abstract

Biofuel cells have received significant attention in the last few decades due to its potential application as alternative energy sources and advantages over conventional fuel cells. This review summarizes different types of glucose biofuel cells with emphasis on enzymatic glucose biofuel cells. Unlike conventional fuel cells, which use fuel such as ethanol, methanol, formic acid, etc. to generate electricity, enzymatic glucose biofuel cells convert chemical energy stored in glucose into electricity. Energy generating from complex sugar is now possible due to the most common glucose selective enzymes, Glucose Oxidase (GOx) and Pyroquinoline Quinone Glucose Dehydrogenase (PQQ-GDH). Glucose as a fuel source is cost-efficient because it is readily abundant and offers a clean source of power. The micro-power generated from the selective glucose/ O2 redox reactions can be used to power ultra-low powered bioelectronic devices. In addition, in vivo glucose biofuel cell implantations and potential applications are highlighted.