Bioelectricity generation using human neuronal-like cells in single chamber biofuel cells

Bioelectricity production was achieved using human neuronal-like cells called SH-SY5Y cell line in single-chamber air-cathode fuel cells. Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle’s medium was used as the carbon source. SH-SY5Y cells grown on carbon cloth were used as anode in the experiments. The voltage was 96 mV using 980 Ω external resistance. Voltage levels decreased when the medium was replaced with medium containing 4.5 g L−1 of glucose. Maximum power density, current density and Coulombic efficiency were measured as 12 mW m−2, 0.013 mA cm−2 and 15%, respectively. Anode biofilm was examined using a multipotentiostat, and cyclic voltammetry results showed redox activity. The output of the fuel cell was connected to a circuit to power LEDs, by using the circuit as a voltage-controlled current source. The results demonstrated for the first time that human neuronal-like cells can generate bioelectricity in a fuel cell to power LEDs. [Display omitted] •Human neuronal-like cells were used to generate electricity in biofuel cells.•Cyclic voltammetry results showed a redox activity in anode biofilm of the biofuel cell.•A circuit was connected to the biofuel cell to power LEDs.•Human neuronal-like cells grown in the biofuel cells can illuminate LEDs.