A multi-anode paper-based microbial fuel cell for disposable biosensors

We report a multi-anode paper-based microbial fuel cell (MFC) capable of generating a power density of 28.4 μW/cm2. This MFC features (i) flexible multilayered carbon anodes for bacterial attachment and (ii) paper reservoirs for holding the anolyte and catholyte for an extended period of time. By using the multi-anode MFC, the power and current densities increased by 5x and 3x, respectively, compared to a single anode one. The paper-based MFC is expected to be a simple and easy-to-use power source for single-use diagnostic biosensors because even sewage or soiled water in a puddle can become an excellent source for operating MFCs and harvesting electricity through bacterial metabolism.