Viruses Can Be Used to Create Batteries

Though you'd like to steer clear of swine flu, viruses aren't all bad: some can be used to create batteries.

By Kathryn Hawkins. Posted on November 19 2009

Image: iStockphoto

If the current scramble for the flu vaccine serves as any indication, most people would prefer to avoid viruses at all cost.

But not MIT researchers Yet-Ming Chiang, Angela Belcher and Paula Hammond: for this brainy group, viruses don’t mean disease. Instead, they could be the key to a renewable source of energy, acting as batteries.

The scientists and their team are using a strain of virus, M13, which is harmless to humans, as a test case for their experiment. They have worked to mutate the virus’ genetic basis so that it does something unusual: it collects bits of metal on its shell, forming an electrode.

When combined with another electrode, it serves as a non-toxic and rechargeable microbattery, which can be used to power small electronic devices. “Because [the batteries] are very small, they can be implemented into anything that involves microfabrication,” Hammond told Science News.
The virus-powered microbatteries could also provide much-needed aid to the alternative energy movement. Currently, the electric car isn’t a viable option for many people because it requires many large batteries. If the scientists’ work could provide a lightweight alternative, the vehicle may finally have its moment.

We’re not sure whether swine flu could be put to such a productive use, but as far as this work is concerned, viruses may not be as scary as they seem. One day, who knows? They might just provide the battery for your microscopic iPod.

Filed under: Science, Weird,

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