SBIR-STTR Award

Akermin proposes, in collaboration with the University of New Mexico, to demonstrate the viability of electronic connections between biomolecules and engineered surfaces in order to harvest power and energy through biologic systems. This work is in part based on Akermin’s proprietary enzyme stabilization technology, which can be used for many lower power commercial and military applications, including microelectrical mechanical devices, unattended ground sensors, and small mobile power devices. This technology has advantages over similar competing technologies (i.e., batteries, conventional fuel cells, and thermal based power supplies) when addressing the needs of small remote sensors and electronics. Akermin’s unique biofuel cell technology has overcome the limitations traditionally associated with enzymatic biofuel cells such as instability at pH’s other than neutral, short operational and shelf lifetimes, and stability relative to temperature changes. The University of New Mexico will contribute their expertise in the design of high surface are engineered electrode materials containing appropriate metal structures for improved electrical connection to biologic molecules. The combination of technologies will result in the highest performing biocathode for highly efficient and long lasting biofuel cell power supplies.

Benefit:
The anticipated benefit of a commercially viable biofuel cell for low power military applications includes being able to provide improved mission operating times due to having greater energy density than incumbent batteries. Additionally, the proposed biofuel cell can be considered an environmentally benign power source, which can be disposed of without concern for environmental contamination. The technology developed under this proposal also has applications in non-military, high volume disposable consumer applications with existing sales volumes of over 100 million units per year. The primary benefit for consumer applications will be the displacement of existing batteries that contain toxic materials with an environmentally benign biofuel cell alternative.

Keywords:
Biofuel Cells, Direct Electron Transfer, Hierarchically Structured Nano Materials, Enzyme Stabilization

Akermin proposes, in collaboration with the University of New Mexico, to demonstrate the viability of electronic connections between biomolecules and engineered surfaces developed in Phase I in a prototype system. This work is in part based on Akermin’s proprietary enzyme stabilization technology and has advantages over similar competing technologies (i.e., batteries and conventional fuel cells) when addressing the needs of small remote sensors and electronics. Akermin’s unique biofuel cell technology has overcome the limitations traditionally associated with enzymatic biofuel cells such as instability at non-neutral pH, short operational lifetimes, and stability relative to changes in temperature. The University of New Mexico will contribute their expertise in the design of high surface area electrode materials containing appropriate metal structures for improved electrical communication to enzymes in a biocathode. The combination of technologies will be used to demonstrate a high performing, high efficiency, and long lasting biofuel cell in a prototype demonstration.

Benefit:
The anticipated benefit of a commercially viable biofuel cell for low power military applications includes being able to provide improved mission operating times due to having greater energy density than incumbent batteries. Additionally, the proposed biofuel cell can be considered an environmentally benign power source, which can be disposed of with minimal environmental concern. The technology developed under this proposal also has applications in non-military, high volume disposable applications with existing high sales volume. The primary benefit for consumer applications will be the displacement of existing batteries that can contain toxic materials with a more environmentally benign biofuel cell alternative.

Keywords:
Biofuel Cells, Direct Electron Transfer, Hierarchically Structured Nano Materials, Enzyme Stabilizat