Iranian scientists co-develop dissolvable battery for eco-friendly applications

Innovation enables safe energy generation for biomedical and environmental use without toxic waste

TEHRAN, Iran (MNTV) — Iranian researchers Maedeh Mohammadifar and Maryam Rezaei have helped develop a groundbreaking dissolvable battery powered by probiotics, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional energy sources in medical and environmental devices.

The battery was created by a team led by Binghamton University researchers in the United Kingdom, with Mohammadifar—an Iranian graduate and key member of the university’s Dissolvable Microbial Fuel Cell Research Group—contributing to its early design. 

The project builds on two decades of research focused on finding non-toxic alternatives to conventional power supplies such as lithium batteries, reported Mehr News.

Made with water-soluble paper and powered by commercially available probiotics—the same living microorganisms found in yogurt and dietary supplements—the battery generates electricity for over 100 minutes before fully dissolving into its surroundings without leaving harmful residues.

“This battery delivers energy safely for anywhere between 4 and 100 minutes, depending on usage, and then breaks down naturally, releasing only beneficial microbes,” said Mohammadifar. 

She explained that the innovation is ideal for disposable electronics, biomedical implants, and environmental monitoring systems.

Unlike many conventional batteries that pose environmental risks due to toxic components, the new probiotic battery addresses the need for energy solutions that are both effective and biodegradable.

The breakthrough highlights the growing role of Iranian scientists in the global push toward environmentally friendly technology and opens new pathways for sustainable development in the fields of healthcare and environmental science.