Paper-based enzymatic fuel cell for at-home micronutrient detection
A novel paper-based enzymatic fuel cell detects specific micronutrients in biofluids, offering a cost-effective and rapid at-home testing solution. Utilizing enzyme-specific reactions, it generates electrical signals proportional to nutrient levels.
Overview
The paper-based enzymatic fuel cell is an innovative solution designed to detect and quantify micronutrient levels in biofluids. By leveraging the specificity of biochemical catalysts, this technology provides a minimally invasive, cost-effective, and rapid at-home testing method. When a micronutrient interacts with its specific enzyme, the system generates a measurable electrical signal, facilitating accurate nutrient analysis.
Technical specifications
- Enzyme specificity: Utilizes enzymes like ascorbate oxidase for vitamin C and glutathione peroxidase for selenium to ensure precise detection.
- Paper substrate: Developed using a low-cost, porous material to optimize fluid transport and enzyme-substrate interactions.
- Electrode integration: Features carbon-based electrodes on the paper substrate to capture electrochemical signals, with optimized size and placement for enhanced sensitivity.
- Application: Capable of detecting key micronutrients such as vitamin D, zinc, vitamin C, and selenium, with potential expansion to other vitamins and minerals.
Technology readiness level
Currently at TRL 2, this technology is in the early stages of development. Initial system design focuses on selecting key micronutrients, enzymes, and developing the paper substrate and electrodes. Further validation and testing are required to advance maturity.
About Binghamton University
Binghamton University is a large, comprehensive public research university in the State University of New York system. Industry collaborates on campus through an advanced technologies complex with shared labs and prototyping facilities, and a health sciences campus adjacent to regional hospital partners. A downtown incubator and maker spaces connect faculty and startups with suppliers and manufacturing in New York’s Southern Tier, while co-op and internship pathways build talent pipelines for corporate R&D. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from agencies such as NSF, NIH, DOE, and DoD, with additional state and industry sponsorship. A dedicated technology transfer office streamlines IP protection, licensing, and startup formation.
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