Researchers at the University of Cordoba in Argentina have unveiled a groundbreaking battery prototype that uses human hemoglobin as a catalyst for a key electrochemical step. The finding appeared in the scientific journal Energy and Fuels, marking a first in this area of study.
Hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells, carries oxygen from the lungs to tissues throughout the body and helps remove carbon dioxide on the return trip. This well known function makes hemoglobin an intriguing candidate for enabling new chemical processes in energy storage technologies, particularly where biocompatibility is a priority.
The team created a safe zinc‑air battery in which a hemoglobin component accelerates the oxygen reduction reaction. In this process, molecular oxygen is converted to water while electrons flow through the circuit, delivering the electrical current that powers the device. The approach leverages a natural biological enzyme system to facilitate energy conversion in a compact, tissue friendly format.
According to Manuel Luna, a member of the research team, the prototype used a small amount of hemoglobin, about 0.165 milligrams, and demonstrated continuous operation for a period of roughly two to three weeks. The biocompatibility of such materials, coupled with their resilience to environmental stressors, points toward potential safe applications in implantable medical devices such as pacemakers and other devices that reside inside the body for long durations.
Another notable insight from the researchers is that hemoglobin with similar functionality could be sourced from the blood of various mammals, expanding the range of materials available for future biohybrid energy systems. This broadens the potential for scalable production and practical integration into medical technologies that require reliable, gentle power sources.
One of the main challenges identified is that these biohybrid batteries currently cannot be recharged through conventional means. To enable recharge cycles, scientists would need to identify another protein capable of driving the reverse reaction, restoring oxygen from water. Additionally, the current design is not suited for operation in environments devoid of air, which limits some applications in enclosed or high-altitude settings without supplemental oxygen supply.
In related research, scientists around the world have explored large magnesium batteries as part of the conversation about future powered devices. These efforts aim to develop energy storage options that can meet the needs of next generation electronics, transportation, and medical technologies, highlighting a broader push toward safer, more compatible energy solutions across multiple fields.