American University develops edible battery

According to recent reports from international media, scientists at Carnegie Mellon University in the U.S. have created a biodegradable battery using squid ink as a key component. This groundbreaking research was published in the *Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences*. The battery is designed to power innovative oral drug delivery systems, offering a new way to administer medication without injections. Lead researcher Bettinger emphasized that one of the most promising applications is controlled drug release. Oral delivery can help avoid the challenges many people face with traditional injections, making treatment more convenient and less invasive. The biodegradable battery could be used in a pill-like device that travels through the digestive system, releasing medicine at the right time. Many drugs are ineffective when taken orally because they get broken down by the stomach’s acids before they can work. This technology aims to solve that issue. So far, the research team has developed battery prototypes and is now working on creating specific drug delivery devices. These could deliver vaccines, arthritis medications, or other substances while also sensing their location within the body. The biodegradable battery provides the necessary power for such smart devices. Bettinger noted that while the battery’s energy capacity isn’t extremely high, its main advantage lies in biocompatibility. The sodium-ion battery is made from melanin and manganese oxide—both of which can break down into harmless components. Melanin comes from squid ink, and the team was particularly interested in its unique nanostructure, which is disordered and semi-conductive. They found that natural melanin has better charge storage capabilities than synthetic versions. Plus, low levels of melanin are already present in the human body, making it a safe and sustainable choice. Although the battery is biocompatible, it doesn’t break down quickly in the digestive system. Bettinger explained that it can last for several weeks or even months before fully degrading. Compared to traditional batteries, these biodegradable options are much safer for use in edible electronics. Bettinger added, “If it gets stuck somewhere in the body, it won’t cause harm.” The research team is continuing to explore the conductive properties of melanin. Bettinger said, “If we can understand this process better, we might be able to create new materials with even more exciting features.” Beyond medicine, there are numerous potential applications for biodegradable batteries. Bettinger envisions them powering sensors or monitoring devices in sensitive environments. For example, if an oil spill occurs, these devices could be deployed in the ocean to collect data and communicate with each other. Once the battery is used up, the devices would naturally degrade without harming the environment.

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