摘要
Enzymatic biofuel cells (EBFCs) are a subgroup of fuel cells that use enzymes as catalysts. EBFCs that utilizephysiological substrates such as glucose or lactate are of great interest as implantable or wearable power sourcesto activate medical devices. This contribution introduces the working principles of EBFCs and summarizes recentprogress in EBFC-enabled biosensors, pulse generators, and therapy. Biosensors with self-powered characteristicenjoy high selectivity, leading to potential “instrument-free” or “expensive-instrument-free” measurement.Autonomous pulse generation is based on the hybrid of EBFC and supercapacitor, which is promising for theapplication in medical related electrostimulation. By providing the direct electrical stimulation, or controllablyreleasing drug, EBFCs can also be used for self-powered therapeutic system. The further combination of self-powered sensing and treating enables EBFC as a possible platform of diagnostics and therapeutics. Future efforts can be focused on resolving the limited power density and lifetime of EBFC.
