News Center Launched (16/05/2012), in principle, a small generator would be implanted into the shoe sole, thereby distributing electricity to meet the electricity consumption of your gadget. The team proved their theory by using virus-powered generator to produce enough current to operate the liquid-crystal display mini.
This system works when pressure is applied to the stamp-sized electrodes. Then the stamp is coated with a virus that has been specifically engineered, virus is working to convert pressure into an electric charge strength.
The research team revealed that the first generator is generating electricity by utilizing the piezoelectric properties of biological materials. Nature Nanotechnology describes the process as well as benefits of using the virus. Virus set on a regular basis which of the process, the virus can be the generator to work.
"Further research is needed, but our work is a promising first step towards the development of personal power. Actuators used in nanoscale devices and other devices based on electronic virus," said Seung-Wuk Lee, a Faculty Scientist in Berkeley Lab's Physical Biosciences Division and UC Berkeley Associate Professor of Bioengineering.
In this study, the team used a virus TheM13 bacteriophage. This virus attacks the bacteria when it reacts only and is not harmful to humans. But, he was able to replicate the virus millions of times within a few hours.
"We are now working for the proof-of-principle demonstration. Because the tools of biotechnology now makes it possible to produce the large scale of viruses and genetic engineering. Piezoelectric materials offer a simple route for the new microelectronics in the future," said Lee.