Electricity production from virus

Some U.S. scientists found a way to produce electricity from a strain not harmful to humans.
Seung-Wuk Lee PhD, a researcher at the University of California in the U.S., and colleagues genetically engineered a strain of the M13 bacteriophage virus called then put them on a plate. They also manufacture an electrode the size of a postage stamp. When the typing finger electrodes, the virus will turn into electrical power type, BBC said.


M13 bacteriophage is a virus attack bacteria but not harmful to humans. Our bodies contain the protein helix. One end of the negatively charged protein, and the other end positively charged. Lee's team used genetic engineering to bring four negatively charged atoms on one end of the negatively charged protein. The exotic atom increases the voltage between the ends of the protein, thereby increasing the voltage of the virus.
To test the ability of the virus generator, the team placed a plate containing an area of ​​1 cm2 virus between two gold electrodes. A wire connecting them with liquid crystal displays. When the impact force of the finger electrodes, the No. 1 show on the screen - current signs that have appeared.
Lee acknowledged that the electricity system he created is not large, but he said the team will continue to improve its system to generate greater power. The researchers said that their invention would lead to the creation of tiny devices capable of receiving power from the daily activities of people like to close down or climbing stairs.
"Our achievement is a promising first step for the development of generators for nanoscale devices," Lee said.