Biodegradable batteries could be made from modified proteins
Coiled polypeptides modified with redox-active molecules make for eco-friendly single-use batteries
The first battery made out of custom-built proteins has been created by US chemists. Instead of metal compounds, the battery’s electrodes contain polypeptides that have been altered to shuttle electrons with redox-active groups. Since proteins biodegrade, the technology could be a boon for single-use applications such as wearable sensors.