Self-powered fluorescence controlled switch systems based on biofuel cells

Abstract

An integrated self-powered fluorescence switch system based on biofuel cells (BFCs) is initially presented in this paper. With the aid of the electroactive material Prussian blue (PB) as the controller of fluorescence change and the biocatalysis, the fluorescence switch and electricity generation could be achieved in one BFC. Due to its excellent electrochromic property and suitable redox potential, PB not only acted as the electrochromic component to switch the fluorescence from Ru(bpy)₃²⁺-doped silica nanoparticles effectively, but also constructed membraneless and mediatorless BFCs through connecting with the bioelectrode. Furthermore, the self-powered fluorescence switch system possessed excellent reversibility and reproducibility, and delivered a power density up to 87 μW cm⁻², demonstrating the potential of independent and sustainable electronics to harvest energy from the environment.