A team of engineers led by a Professor from Binghamton University unveiled a new type of battery that can self-dispose. The dissolvable batteries break down into non-harmful materials, making them ideal for use in medical, environmental, and security applications. Here’s how the disposable batteries’ proof of concept could reshape the market and usher in a new era of safe, effective, self-disposing energy solutions.
E-Waste: The Environmental Challenge
E-waste remains a serious concern. The term refers to discarded electronics and appliances. These items often contain reusable materials and other components that could break down and leach into the environment if not disposed of properly. Sadly, a large percentage of e-waste is discarded in household garbage, resulting in the materials ending up in landfills.
Batteries are one of the main contributors to e-waste. The reasons for this include that they become obsolete faster than other components, like screens. Sadly, approximately 95% of battery components can be recycled, but they mostly go unused due to the battery getting discarded alongside normal trash. Additionally, battery waste is harmful because it contains heavy metals and other toxic substances that can contaminate the surrounding area.
Green Electronics: Biosafe, Water-Soluble Designs
Recognizing the need to begin the recycling cycle earlier in a product’s life span, engineers have begun to create sustainable electronics. These devices are designed to disintegrate in a biosafe manner over time or when in contact with certain items like water. As such, green electronics could help to reduce pollution and make electronics less harmful to your health.
Transient vs. Bioresorbable Electronics
This science has found a home in the medical field, where it is used to create implants that can disintegrate after they complete their treatment cycle. Bioresorbable electronics need to be made in a way that doesn’t utilize any materials that will leave toxic residue. Impressively, engineers have been able to come close to this goal.
Challenges in Bioresorbable Battery Technologies
The battery has proven to be the single technical roadblock to making bioabsorbable electronics a reality. The most widely used battery option is lithium-ion batteries, which pose significant risks such as thermal runaway and hazardous chemicals.
Microbial & Bio-Battery Approaches: Pros and Cons
One area of battery tech that has seen significant growth is Microbial-based bio batteries. These devices utilize the electrical charge created by the metabolic activities of microbes. Microbes are found naturally in the human body, on human skin, and in the gut. Both of these options have been leveraged to make bio batteries. However, there remain issues with the potential of microbial cytotoxicity.
Dissolvable Batteries Study
A team of scientists believes they have overcome these restrictions with their latest study Dissolvable Probiotic-Powered By Batteries: A Safe and Biocompatible Energy Solution for Transient Applications published in the journal Small. The paper delves into a transient biobattery powered by commercially available probiotics that prioritizes biosafety and biocompatibility. When dissolved, it releases beneficial microbes instead of harmful chemicals.
Key Components of the Probiotic Biobattery
The probiotic-powered batteries utilize four components to deliver continuous and reliable power. The first piece is an anode. The surface of the anode is porous and coated with catalysts to enable bacteria to attach to it more easily. This step is crucial in enhancing the microorganisms’ electrogenic capability.
Source – Binghamton University
Reservoir
The reservoir is the next component in the equation. Its main purpose is to hold the microbial feed. Interestingly, the team found this step to be one of the hardest. They decided to improve the electricity-producing bacteria mixture to enhance the electrocatalytic behavior.
Optimized Probiotic Strain Blend
The team did extensive research into the probiotic blends used. They utilized analytical and experimental techniques to review and rank the electrogenic properties of the blends. Notably, all of these materials used are commercially available.
After conducting the test, the team determined 15 strains that would make the ideal mixture. The blend consisted primarily from the genera Pediococcus pentosaceus, Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Streptococcus thermophilus, Propionibacterium freudenreichii, and Saccharomyces boulardii. Notably, as the blend dissolves, it generates electricity as the probiotics release.
Ion-Exchange Membrane Functionality
Pencil-drawn electrodes operate as an exchange medium. This surface facilitates ion exchange by binding and releasing ions across an insoluble matrix. This process is also used in water purification and contamination removal processes.
Prussian Blue Cathode Design
A Prussian Blue cathode containing catalysts was created. The device was designed with an electrode surface that supports vibrant bacterial growth using polymer and nanoparticles. This negatively charged terminal accepts current flow through the printed wax boundaries and membranes.
pH-Triggered Dissolvable Polymer Coating
The entire device is coated in a dissolvable paper that is pH reactive. When it comes into contact with an acidic environment, it begins to dissolve. The coating slowly dissolves to ensure that it enables the device to release its energy in a planned and predictable manner. This approach helps to enhance the voltage output and duration.
By encapsulating the water-soluble paper substrate, the electrical release can be timed. The pH-sensitive membrane ensures structural integrity and optimal power performance.
Dissolvable Batteries – How They Work
The way the battery generates electricity is by using the metabolism of microbial biocatalysts. The interactions create redox reactions that generate electrons and protons. The current is then directed through an external circuit. The protons travel over the ion-exchange membrane, which delivers them to the cathode. This final step reunites them with the electrons, creating a complete circuit.
Microfluidic Channel Design & Testing
To test their theory, the engineers created six microfluidic channel designs. Each design was tested to record its parameters. The testing included monitoring open-circuit voltage (OCV) during the dissolution process. This step enabled the engineer to gain a deeper insight into which microfluidic design produced the best performance.
Performance Metrics: Power Output & Duration
The test results demonstrated that the device could sustain operations for 25 minutes. Additionally, the test samples generated current outputs corresponding to each resistor value. The team noted that by manipulating device length or encapsulating it with pH-sensitive polymers, they could fine-tune the power delivery.
Using this method to manipulate the power parameters, the engineers were unable to extend power delivery to +100 minutes. The group noted the battery delivered single module outputs of 4 µW of power, 47 µA of current, and an open-circuit voltage of 0.65 V.
Benefits of Probiotic Dissolvable Batteries
There’s a long list of benefits that this study brings to the market. For one, the battery is self-growing. Probiotics are naturally produced and abundant. As such, they open the door to readily available low-cost batteries.
Self-Assembling
Another benefit of the probiotic battery ensign is that it is self-assembling. There is no need to create an expensive manufacturing facility to produce these batteries. They can self-assemble as the device relies on naturally occurring events.
Self-Repairing
The new battery design is capable of repairing damage just like how the human body heals. The device uses probiotics, which are capable of rerouting and making new channels to complete their tasks. This flexibility is complemented by their self-maintaining characteristics.
Applications & Market Timeline
Several applications for this technology could help to revolutionize the battery market. For one, these units are perfectly suited for biomedical or biorobotic uses. The devices leave no trace of their existence after they dissolve. As such, they are the ideal option for implanted treatments.
Environmental
There are environmental uses for this technology as well. Engineers could create sensors that safely biodegrade after their usage. Items like storm trackers and other vital weather monitoring technology could be integrated with less environmental pushback.
Hardware Security
Security applications are another area where this technology could find a home. You have seen this concept if you have ever watched Mission: Impossible. When the main character, Ethan Hunt, receives his directions, the tape announces it will self-destruct before completely dissolving.
This concept is just one of many ways that disposable battery technology could help to improve security. One-time use of electronics and other sensitive items could be destroyed easily using this concept, preventing waste and the information from falling into unwanted hands.
EVs
The use of dissolvable batteries in EVs could be a great way to ensure that landfills don’t become filled with EV batteries. The EV market is a fast-paced market with new models entering service monthly. In many instances, the battery is the main upgrade in the newer unit. Integrating biodegradable dissolvable batteries is a smart way to create a safer environment.
Space Exploration
Another area where dissolvable electronics could shine is in satellites. There are thousands of satellites orbiting the Earth currently. Each one poses a potential threat to others if they collide. Any collision would result in thousands of smaller items being whipped around the atmosphere, creating an impenetrable wall of debris.
Using disposable electronics would be a smart way to prevent this situation. Satellites that were meant to dissolve after their usage expires could provide a safe alternative that prevents debris from forming in the first place.
Commercialization Timeline (5–10 Years)
It could be 5-10 years before dissolvable batteries hit the market. These devices will see use in the medical field, which means that they will need to undergo years of trials and testing to ensure their safety. After achieving licensing, there are several applications where this tech will see use.
Dissolvable Batteries Researchers
The disposable batteries study was led by Binghamton University Professor Seokheun “Sean” Choi. The paper also lists Maedeh Mohammadifar as a contributing writer. Notably, Chol has worked on disposable electronics for decades. His last project, disposable papertronic, helped to inspire his latest venture.
Future Directions in Probiotic Batteries
When asked about the plans for their research, the engineers stated that they wanted to spend more time studying probiotics to discover which ones were the best and why. The engineers believe that they can determine which ones possess extra electronic genes and how to use those to create better performance.
Investing in the Battery Industry
The battery sector is a fast-paced market that has a lot of competitors vying for the title. As EVs and other battery-powered devices become the norm, the desire for more capable and safer batteries increases. Here’s one company that has continually pushed innovation and helped to make today’s batteries safer than ever.
Microvast (MVST +1.16%) was founded in 2006 by Yang Wu. The Texas-based battery manufacturer has secured a reputation for innovation and quality over its nearly 2 decades of operations. Today, the company is a leading supplier of Li-Ion battery components and alternatives.
Microvast Holdings, Inc. (MVST +1.16%)
Microvast has operations in the United States, China, and Germany and has received numerous accolades for its innovations. In 2013, it was awarded the Leading Li-ion Battery Supplier Award. That same year, the company succeeded in opening the first ultra-fast EV charging station. In 2019, its high-energy density and safe battery system won the R&D 100 Award.
Today, Microvast is a leader in battery innovation. The company works specifically with LTO (Lithium Titanate Oxide) and other Li-Ion alternatives. These new battery designs provide ultra-fast charging, ultra-long cycle life, and adhere to the highest safety standards.
Latest Microvast (MVST) Stock News and Developments
Why Dissolvable Batteries Are a Game Changer
The idea of a battery that dissolves may seem like sci-fi, but the proof of concept proves otherwise. This technology will help medical professionals create more advanced and helpful implants, space explorers travel further and safely dispose of waste, and help reduce the impact of E-waste globally. For these reasons, the dissolvable battery can be seen as a major milestone.
Learn about other cool Energy Tech Now.
Studies Referenced:
, , , Dissolvable Probiotic-Powered Biobatteries: A Safe and Biocompatible Energy Solution for Transient Applications. Small 2025, 21, 2502633. https://doi.org/10.1002/smll.202502633