Mario Caironi, Project coordinator, said: “The core of the device is represented by a couple of electrodes basically. To have it working we are using two materials, two molecules. For the anode, we are using riboflavin which is a vitamin but we can find it in almonds for example. And for the cathode we are using quercetin. It’s sold as a food supplement and can be found in capers for example."
The battery uses activated charcoal to increase electrical conductivity. The separator, made from nori seaweed, prevents short-circuiting, and the electrodes are encased in beeswax with two edible gold leaves.
The battery operates at 0.65 volts and can power a small LED or other miniature electronic devices.
Researchers hope the edible battery could revolutionise ingestible medical devices and have a major impact on diagnosing and treating gastrointestinal conditions as well as monitoring food quality.
“An edible battery allows us to ingest, for example, a sensor. A sensory system and it degrades into our body, like food after it has performed its function.”
Ingestible devices already exist but can’t be digested by the human body. The Italian Institute of Technology says their device can be completely digested without health risks
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