Implantable Light-Powered Human Designer Cells for Electrical Energy Generation.

ABSTRACT: Herein, an implantable, miniature biohybrid device has been developed that utilizes light-dependent ion-gradient formation by genetically engineered human designer cells, expressing light-activated ion channels and proton pumps to generate electrical potential and deliver electrical energy. These designer cells are cultured in custom-designed polycarbonate chambers, connected by electrodes and separated from an ion reservoir by a proton-selective Nafion membrane. Upon illumination, the light-activated channels and pumps on the designer cells establish a sustained proton gradient across the Nafion membrane, which drives an electrical current in the external circuit. When exposed to simulated ambient sunlight of 3 mW cm^{- 2} of intensity, a single solar collection device

SUBMITTER: Xue S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12617042 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature