Toward self-powered real-time health monitoring of body fluid components based on improved enzymatic biofuel cells

Abstract

This topical review focuses on self-powered electrochemical sensor devices that use wearable biofuel cells (BFCs) that generate electricity from body fluid components, such as glucose in urine and lactate in sweat. The advantages of using BFCs as power sources for wearable health monitoring devices are discussed herein. Recently developed porous carbon materials with controlled interfaces and spaces are also explored for enhancing the output power and stability of BFCs. We describe a printed wearable high-power BFC that uses body fluids as a fuel. This topical review also explains several challenges existing in the development of self-driving health monitoring devices, such as their power output and stability.