Development of micromachined biological cells for energy harvesting

Bioelectrochemistry is a rapidly growing area which harnesses the structural and functional versatility of biomolecules with simple yet effective electronic signal acquisition. A very recent application of bioelectrochemistry is represented by biofuel cells (BFCs) which may become a sustainable route towards clean and portable low-power electrical energy.

Biofuel cells are based on two electrodes coated with catalysts, with the anode oxidizing fuel and acting as an electron source and the cathode reducing the oxidant acting as an electron sink. The conversion of the organic substrates into electricity is catalyzed by enzymes within an organism (microbial fuel cells, MFC), or alone (enzymatic biofuel cells, EBFC).

In the actual contest of a high demand for miniature and sustainable electrical power sources to develop autonomous self-sufficient micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) implants, micro machining the BFC technology is of high interest. Micro BFCs could be implemented as biosensor for the detection of toxic compounds in drinking water and wastewater.The PhD project will be mainly focused on the design and development of innovative electrode materials and configurations that opmtimise performance.

The project has a multidisciplinary nature and will be supervised by Dr Di Lorenzo Mirella, at the Department of Chemical Engineering.
Students will work with internationally leading research groups and are expected to present the research at international conferences in the field of biofuel cells and micro-electro-mechanical systems.

Candidates from relevant scientific/engineering backgrounds will be considered, including Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Chemistry or a related numerate or analytical discipline.

Prospective candidates should send a CV and a cover letter to Dr Mirella Di Lorenzo ([Email Address Removed]) .