# Origami-Inspired Bio-Batteries Researchers Developed a Battery That Runs on Bacteria In Water By Hayley McGlone | Published 2016-07-25 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/biobattery References: [dailydot](http://www.dailydot.com/debug/disposable-foldable-oragami-battery-powered-by-bacteria/) & [discovere.binghamton.edu](https://discovere.binghamton.edu/news/battery-4-6745.html) At Binghamton University, assistant professor of computer and electrical engineering Seokheun Choi and two of his students have invented a bio-battery inspired by origami. The microbial fuel cells runs on the bacteria found in just a few drops of dirty water. To produce a charge, the battery uses filter paper alongside a carbon cloth. The bio-battery was able to generate enough power to light an LED bulb for about 20 minutes. Choi was inspired by a ninja star and [origami for the design](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ori-lamp) of the battery. Due to its shape, the bio-battery is actually a series of eight connected batteries. The small battery is about 2.5 inches wide and costs 70 cents to make. A simpler matchbox design battery also designed by Choi costs five cents to make but has less power and voltage. The new bio-battery could be incredible for sustainable energy in the developing world since it runs on [bacteria found in dirty water](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mycodigestible-diaper). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.5/10 - Popularity: 19% | Activity: 47% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Science](https://www.trendhunter.com/science) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Bio-battery Technology:** The development of bio-batteries for creating renewable energy from bacteria found in dirty water presents an opportunity for businesses to invest in sustainable energy solutions. - **Origami-inspired Design:** The use of origami-inspired design in developing bio-batteries presents an opportunity for businesses to apply creative design thinking to energy solutions. - **Microbial Fuel Cells:** The development of microbial fuel cells for generating energy from bacteria in dirty water presents an opportunity for businesses to invest in new, more sustainable energy sources. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Renewable Energy:** The development of bio-batteries and microbial fuel cells presents an opportunity for businesses in the renewable energy sector to invest in new and innovative technologies. - **Design and Engineering:** The use of origami-inspired design in developing bio-batteries and microbial fuel cells presents an opportunity for businesses in the design and engineering industry to apply creative thinking to energy solutions. - **Sustainability:** The development of bio-batteries and microbial fuel cells for generating renewable energy from bacteria found in dirty water presents an opportunity for businesses to invest in sustainable solutions and contribute to a cleaner future. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Stretchable Sweat-Activated Yarn Batteries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yarn-battery.md) - [Crustacean-Based Batteries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crab-shell-batteries.md) - [Bendable Battery Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bendable-battery.md) - [Origami-Inspired Solar Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sego-innovations.md) - [Facemask Upcycling Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/upcycled-facemasks.md) - [Origami Travel Solar Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-panel-origami-technology.md) - [Improved Battery Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/battery-sustainability.md) - [Battery-Free Health Wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/uci.md) - [Origami-Inspired Solar Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/levante-origami-solar-panel.md)