Microfluidic paper microbial fuel cell powered by Shewanella putrefaciens in IoT cloud framework.

The present work demonstrates a miniaturized, easily fabricated, environment-friendly, and cost-effective Microfluidic Paper-based Microbial Fuel Cell (MPMFC) as a potential Energy Harvesting Device. The device consists of a microchannel with a reductant (Shewanella putrefaciens exoelectrogen bacterium with L.B Broth) and oxidant (aerated tap water) flowing over Carbon electrode (anode) and Silver electrode (cathode) using co-laminar flow with the self-capillary phenomenon. The electrochemical analysis like Polarization, Open Circuit Voltage (OCV) was evaluated using a potentiostat, and conductivity and sheet resistance were evaluated using a four-point probe instrument. Various bacterial studies, like growth curve study (Optical Density), volumetric concentrations, and incubation time, were carried out to find out the best suitable optimal bacterial conditions. Lastly, detailed element composition study and morphology of the surface of the electrode with biofouling was carried out using Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) techniques, respectively. The portable MPMFC yields a maximum power density of 15.4 μW/cm2 (1340 nA/cm2) at 390 mV over 90 μL of culture. Also, An Internet of Things (IoT)/cloud-based hardware has been developed and integrated with MPMFC platform to observe the real-time device performance leading to its long-lasting potential to operate miniaturized microelectronics sensors and portable devices. • A miniaturized Membraneless Paper-based Microbial Fuel Cell has been discussed. • The device has been powered by Shewanella Putrefaciens exoelectrogen bacterium. • Various studies were performed to find out the best suitable bacterial conditions. • Rigorous electrochemical analyses were evaluated to explore the device outputs. • Maximum power density of 15.40 μW/cm2 (1.34 μA/cm2) at 390 mV was obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]