Quantitative Prediction of Available Power in Mitochondrial Arrays for Compact Power Supplies
Abstract
This research investigated mitochondria as a potential energy source for compact power supplies, both as a battery and as a fuel cell. For the mitochondrial battery, a monolayer of mitochondria was constructed and the viability of mitochondria was tested by fluorescence microscopy. One battery employed the monolayer of mitochondria as a cathode and another battery employed the monolayer of mitochondria as an anode. Each battery was tested at low current discharge and the voltage was measured. The experimental results showed that the mitochondria can be used as an anode. Mitochondria were also studied as a component of a fuel cell. Mitochondria were employed in anodic chambers of fuel cells. the effects of an uncoupler and a mediator were tested. A mitochondrial fuel cell without a mediator delivered ~0.03 mA, whereas a cell with a mediator provided a maximum of ~0.065 mA current. The experimental results suggest that the cell performance depends on both diffusion of reduced mediator and electron transport between mitochondria and mediator.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 17, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA548911
Entities
People
- Ann M. Sastry
Organizations
- University of Michigan