Indian scientists turn fish scales into renewable energy source

Brazilians consume an average of 10 kg of fish per year. In Latin America, fish consumption is expected to grow 33% by 2030. Imagine the amount of fish scales that go to waste.

If it depends on the researchers from the University of Jadavpur in India, this will change soon. They have developed a method to turn fish scales into small power generators.

How is that possible?

Edible electronics, implantable medical devices, portables and even self-charging cell phones are examples of battery replacement use.

In the future these nanogenerators made from fish scales can be used in pacemakers, generating energy continuously from the heart beats itself for the operation of the device.

The premise is simple: fish scales contain collagen fibers that have a piezoelectric property, which means that an electric charge is generated in response to the application of mechanical stress. And this property was used to manufacture the nanogenerator.

Where else do these nanogenerators can be used?

The group’s work can also be used in edible electronics, implantable medical devices, laptops and even self-loading cell phones to replace the battery.

Actually, fish are good for your health, both the part you eat and the part you do not eat!

References: Article: High-Performance Bio-Piezoelectric Nanogenerator Made with Fish Scale; FAO, Physics World, India Today, Agência Brasil