Singapore scientists at the Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (IBN) have developed the first urine-activated paper battery which will generate enough electricity to power fully integrated biochip systems, making it the perfect power source for cheap, credit card-sized disposable healthcare test-kits for diseases such as diabetes.
The urine battery unit comprises of a cathode sandwiched between an anode and an electron-collecting layer. When a droplet of urine (0.2ml) is placed on the device, the capillary force drives the urine into the cathode layer and the battery is activated.