Shades of grays for implanting an enzymatic biofuel cell

An implanted biofuel cell (IBFC) is a novel device that provides the means to create electricity from glucose and oxygen, using an original architecture for the IBFC that provides efficient work inside a living organism. In the future these IBFCs will be required to power implanted devices to assist failing physiological functions in humans. The active ingredients of such IBFCs are glucose oxidase at the anode and laccase at the cathode. These enzymes are entrapped in a 3D network of conductive and insulated materials. This publication solves the issue of the sterilization of such a complex device, using gamma irradiation. A 12kGy dose was sufficient to show absence of implant infection in all the implantations performed. We also prove in vitro functioning of both bioelectrodes with a high dose of 42kGy.