Developments in biodegradable and bio-inspired batteries

Research into specialized battery technologies has focused on biocompatibility and structural optimization for medical or biological applications.

In late September 2026, MIT researchers announced the development of a swallowable, biodegradable paper battery. Utilizing magnesium and molybdenum trioxide electrodes with a biodegradable gel electrolyte, the device reached 1.84 volts. It successfully powered an RFID tracker and a gastric stimulation capsule in animal tests, though researchers noted that complete devices still require some non-biodegradable electronic components.

By late October 2026, researchers at Binghamton University introduced biobatteries that mimic the structure of the human small intestine. By using conductive hydrogel architectures that replicate intestinal villi, the team created a 3D habitat to support the growth of Bacillus subtilis bacteria. This design aims to improve electrical performance and overcome the surface area and clogging limitations found in previous two-dimensional battery configurations.