Microbial Energy Harvesting Wearables: Powering the future from within (KEY IJP************465)

• Ankush Tiwari

Abstract

ABSTRACT:The modern demand of smart devices challenges the undeniable need for sustainable energy solutions. The Microbial Energy Harvesting wearables present a fascinating answer which consists of using the energy of our own body to power our devices. This paper dives into the present situation of smart wearables and integrating them with MEH wearables to find out their technological capacity, benefits it gives to environment and also considering the ethical aspects. MEH wearable is not just about an appliance but about a future where our own body fluids facilitate fuel to our gadgets which almost fades the line between human and machines. Smart wearables have become routine device in various fields be it fitness tracking or healthcare. However, the difficulty of managing sustained power choices reduces their usage. Batteries and other conventional energy sources have downsides in terms of weight, size, and environmental effect. Microbial energy harvesting offers a potential workaround for these disadvantages in this situation. This research investigates the feasibility and effectiveness of microbial energy harvesting techniques, mainly microbial electrosynthesis cells (MECs) and microbial fuel cells (MFCs), by integrating nontoxic, spore forming bacterial cells into smart wearable technology.INTRODUCTIONSmart wearable technology comes with a lot of advantages as it permits for easy integration into daily activities and supplies insightful data on lifestyle, fitness, and health. The introduction of this technology has completely transformed the interaction of users with devices. Wearable technology has become an undeniable part of modern living, with everything ranging from fitness trackers that record steps and calories burnt to smartwatches that monitor heart rate and sleep patterns. Another advantage is their ability to operate independently without the hassle of changing the batteries regularly or recharging them. With the introduction of this new technology which is a bit complex to understand at a basic level, there comes a growing need for creative energy-harvesting solutions that can operate for longer periods. Before introducing these devices, the elements such as viability, efficiency, and usefulness of smart wearables used were affected due to the internal cons the traditional batteries had. The most customary type of energy storage in wearable electronics is lithium-ion batteries which are highly popular for their high energy bulk, rejuvenation, and comparatively long life and, are the most common energy source for smart wearables. Lithium-ion batteries have several innate cons that make them inutile for powering wearable technology, even with these benefits that is the finite energy storage capacity of these batteries which means that they must be charged regularly and decline battery health over time and eventually substitution. Furthermore, the size and weight of batteries limit the portability and design of smart gadgets, lowering their contentment and usefulness, especially when it comes to wearable electronics attached to apparel or add-ons. Moreover, the environmental consequences which are associated with technologies involving traditional batteries, which consists of extraction followed by processing, and then disposal of limited materials, embarks upon the importance of environmentally sustainable alternatives. The call for energy sustainability which can reduce the environmental implications of smart wearables is increasing as the demand for wearable technology rises globally due to improvements in healthcare, fitness, and augmented reality applications.This study investigates by studying the microbial culture preparation, setting up of microbial energy harvesting system, studying microbial activity, substrate utilization and using microbial electrosynthesis cells to finally develop the prototype.