Ce travail de thèse présente une nouvelle classe de microélectrodes de fibres de nanotubes de carbone (NT). Celles-ci sont réalisées par un filage en voie humide autorisant l’inclusion d’additifs au sein des fibres afin d’adapter leur formulation. Ainsi, le développement d’électrodes incluant la bilirubine oxydase (BOD) pour biopile enzymatique a permis d’obtenir un haut courant de réduction à l’aide d’un transfert d’électrons direct entre BOD et NT. Egalement, des actionneurs électromécaniques incluant une faible quantité de PVA réticulé sont proposés. De telles fibres génèrent une grande contrainte et présentent un temps de réponse court lorsqu’une faible tension leur est appliquée. La mobilité des NT les uns par rapport aux autres au sein de celles-ci a été réduite. Cette dernière est présente dans tout actionneur en NT et génère du fluage et une relaxation de contrainte de ces matériaux limitant ainsi leurs performances. Ces travaux ouvrent de nombreuses voies pour de nouvelles microtechnologies de conversion d’énergie, notamment appliquées au médical ou dans la micro-robotique. / This PhD work presents a new class of carbon nanotubes (NT) fibers microelectrodes. These fibers are produced by a wet spinning process which enables the inclusion of additives within the fibers in order to adapt their formulation. Thus, new microelectrodes for enzymatic biofuel cells that comprise bilirubin oxidase (BOD) have been realized in a one step process and enable a direct electron transfer process between the enzyme and NT at a high potential with a high reduction current. Furthermore, we also developed new NT microfibers including a small quantity of chemically crosslinked PVA for electrochemical actuators. They generate a large stress and a short response time when stimulated by a low voltage in an aqueous electrolyte. Moreover, the CNT mobility within these fibers is greatly reduced. The latter is present in any CNT actuator and induces creep and stress relaxation of these material prohibiting the possibility to obtain high actuating performances. The present results open routes towards the development of novel technologies for energy conversion potentially useful in micro-devices, biomedical applications and micro-robotics.

As biocélulas a combustível enzimáticas (BFCs) são dispositivos eletroquímicos que convertem energia química em energia elétrica, utilizando enzimas como biocatalisadores. Quando miniaturizada, uma BFC pode ser implantada em animais vertebrados e invertebrados, vislumbrando-se sua utilização na produção de energia elétrica para alimentar microdispositivos biomédicos e microssensores em pequenos insetos. No entanto, ainda é um desafio obter BFCs implantáveis e miniaturizadas, com uma potência suficiente (dezenas de microwatts) para alimentar microcircuitos eletrônicos de maneira estável e em longo prazo. Diante do exposto, esta tese de doutorado apresenta um estudo das propriedades eletroquímicas de eletrodos enzimáticos, visando a aplicação em BFCs de glicose/O2 miniaturizadas e implantáveis. Para isso, utilizaram-se fibras flexíveis de carbono (FCFs) modificadas com as enzimas bilirrubina oxidase (BOx) no cátodo e glicose desidrogenase (GDh) NAD-dependente no ânodo, a fim de se obter a redução de O2 e a oxidação de glicose, respectivamente. Os resultados obtidos mostram que FCFs previamente submetidas a um tratamento químico de oxidação com permanganato de potássio e com posterior eletrodepolimerização do mediador vermelho neutro produzem bioânodos estáveis e robustos. Estes eletrodos, combinados com biocátodos compostos por FCFs na ausência de mediadores redox, foram utilizados em BFCs miniaturizadas, que foram implantadas em formigas da espécie Atta sexdens rubrupilosa. A potência máxima da BFC operando in vivo foi 13,5 ± 3,8 µW cm-2 em 190 ± 58,9 mV, com corrente máxima de 143 ± 40,2 µA cm-2 e a voltagem de circuito aberto de 260 ± 99,6 mV. Acredita-se que estes valores ainda possam ser otimizados e este trabalho contribui para mostrar que a flexibilidade das FFC, a presença de um mediador de elétrons polimérico no ânodo, o uso do tratamento químico de oxidação com permanganato de potássio das fibras e a miniaturização dos eletrodos são elementos importantes, e que podem ser considerados no desenvolvimento de biocélulas a combustível implantáveis. / Enzymatic biofuel cells (BFCs) are electrochemical devices that convert chemical energy into electrical energy using enzymes as biocatalysts. When miniaturized, BFCs can be implanted in vertebrate and invertebrate animals and, their use to produce electrical energy to feed biomedical microdevices and micro-sensors in small insects can be observed. However, it is still challenging to obtain implantable and miniaturized BFCs, with sufficient power (tens of microwatts) to power electronic microcircuits in a stable and long-term manner. In view of the above, this PhD thesis presents a study of the electrochemical properties of enzymatic electrodes, aiming to use them in miniaturized and implantable glucose/O2 BFCs. In order to obtain a reduction in O2 and oxidation of glucose, flexible carbon fibers (FCFs) modified with bilirubin oxidase (BOx) enzymes in the cathode and glucose dehydrogenase (GDh) at the anode, respectively, were used. The results show that FCFs previously submitted to a chemical treatment of oxidation with potassium permanganate and, subsequently, electropolymerization of the neutral red mediator produce stable and robust bioanodes. These electrodes, combined with biocathodes consisting of FCFs in the absence of redox mediators, were used in miniaturized BFCs, which were implanted in Atta sexdens rubrupilosa ant species. The BFC maximum power source, operating in vivo, was 13.5 ± 3.8 μW cm-2 at 190 ± 58.9 mV, with a maximum current of 143 ± 40.2 μA cm-2 and the open circuit voltage was 260 ± 99.6 mV. Although these values can be optimized, this research shows that the flexibility of the FCF, the presence of a polymer electron mediator on the anode, using the chemical treatment of oxidation with potassium permanganate of the fibers and electrode miniaturization are important elements, which can be considered in the development of implantable biofuels.

Ce mémoire est consacré au développement d'un immunocapteur impédancemétrique et de deux biopiles enzymatiques. Premièrement, le poly(pyrrole-NHS) est utilisé pour l'immobilisation successive d'un modèle de la ciprofloxacine (CF) et de l'anticorps dirigé spécifiquement contre CF. La détection est réalisée par la spectroscopie d'impédance électrochimique. Elle détecte le déplacement en solution de l'anticorps. Le seuil de détection est de 1.10-12 g.mL-1. Deuxièmement, la production énergétique est abordée suivant deux approches. La première se base sur l'apparition d'un gradient de pH produit par deux enzymes (la GOx et l'uréase) et converti en f.e.m. en utilisant un couple rédox sensible au pH. La seconde, repose sur les propriétés biocatalytiques de la GOx d'oxyder le glucose et de la polyphénol oxydase de réduire le dioxygène. Cette pile est capable de fonctionner aussi bien in vitro que in vivo. Une fois optimisée, la pile affiche une f.e.m. de 315 mV et une puissance de 27 μW. / This work is focused on the development of an impedimetric immunosensor and two enzymatic biofuel cells. Firstly, poly(pyrrole-NHS) is used to graft a model of the ciprofloxacin antibiotic (CF) and its specific antibody (Ab) in two steps. The displacement of the antibody in solution directed by a strong affinity between Ab and CF is monitored by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The detection limit is 10-12 g mL-1. Secondly, production of electricity is studied by two different methods. The first one is based on the creation of a pH difference driven enzymatically by glucose oxidase (GOx) and urease. This pH gradient is converted to e.m.f. by adding a pH-dependant redox couple. The second method uses glucose/O2 fu

As biocélulas a combustível enzimáticas (BFCs) são dispositivos eletroquímicos que convertem energia química em energia elétrica, utilizando enzimas como biocatalisadores. Quando miniaturizada, uma BFC pode ser implantada em animais vertebrados e invertebrados, vislumbrando-se sua utilização na produção de energia elétrica para alimentar microdispositivos biomédicos e microssensores em pequenos insetos. No entanto, ainda é um desafio obter BFCs implantáveis e miniaturizadas, com uma potência suficiente (dezenas de microwatts) para alimentar microcircuitos eletrônicos de maneira estável e em longo prazo. Diante do exposto, esta tese de doutorado apresenta um estudo das propriedades eletroquímicas de eletrodos enzimáticos, visando a aplicação em BFCs de glicose/O2 miniaturizadas e implantáveis. Para isso, utilizaram-se fibras flexíveis de carbono (FCFs) modificadas com as enzimas bilirrubina oxidase (BOx) no cátodo e glicose desidrogenase (GDh) NAD-dependente no ânodo, a fim de se obter a redução de O2 e a oxidação de glicose, respectivamente. Os resultados obtidos mostram que FCFs previamente submetidas a um tratamento químico de oxidação com permanganato de potássio e com posterior eletrodepolimerização do mediador vermelho neutro produzem bioânodos estáveis e robustos. Estes eletrodos, combinados com biocátodos compostos por FCFs na ausência de mediadores redox, foram utilizados em BFCs miniaturizadas, que foram implantadas em formigas da espécie Atta sexdens rubrupilosa. A potência máxima da BFC operando in vivo foi 13,5 ± 3,8 µW cm-2 em 190 ± 58,9 mV, com corrente máxima de 143 ± 40,2 µA cm-2 e a voltagem de circuito aberto de 260 ± 99,6 mV. Acredita-se que estes valores ainda possam ser otimizados e este trabalho contribui para mostrar que a flexibilidade das FFC, a presença de um mediador de elétrons polimérico no ânodo, o uso do tratamento químico de oxidação com permanganato de potássio das fibras e a miniaturização dos eletrodos são elementos importantes, e que podem ser considerados no desenvolvimento de biocélulas a combustível implantáveis. / Enzymatic biofuel cells (BFCs) are electrochemical devices that convert chemical energy into electrical energy using enzymes as biocatalysts. When miniaturized, BFCs can be implanted in vertebrate and invertebrate animals and, their use to produce electrical energy to feed biomedical microdevices and micro-sensors in small insects can be observed. However, it is still challenging to obtain implantable and miniaturized BFCs, with sufficient power (tens of microwatts) to power electronic microcircuits in a stable and long-term manner. In view of the above, this PhD thesis presents a study of the electrochemical properties of enzymatic electrodes, aiming to use them in miniaturized and implantable glucose/O2 BFCs. In order to obtain a reduction in O2 and oxidation of glucose, flexible carbon fibers (FCFs) modified with bilirubin oxidase (BOx) enzymes in the cathode and glucose dehydrogenase (GDh) at the anode, respectively, were used. The results show that FCFs previously submitted to a chemical treatment of oxidation with potassium permanganate and, subsequently, electropolymerization of the neutral red mediator produce stable and robust bioanodes. These electrodes, combined with biocathodes consisting of FCFs in the absence of redox mediators, were used in miniaturized BFCs, which were implanted in Atta sexdens rubrupilosa ant species. The BFC maximum power source, operating in vivo, was 13.5 ± 3.8 μW cm-2 at 190 ± 58.9 mV, with a maximum current of 143 ± 40.2 μA cm-2 and the open circuit voltage was 260 ± 99.6 mV. Although these values can be optimized, this research shows that the flexibility of the FCF, the presence of a polymer electron mediator on the anode, using the chemical treatment of oxidation with potassium permanganate of the fibers and electrode miniaturization are important elements, which can be considered in the development of implantable biofuels.

Este trabalho descreve a preparação e caracterização de biocátodos para biocélula a combustível Etanol e Metanol//O2 utilizando a enzima lacase (trametes versicolor) num sistema de transferência eletrônica mediada (TEM). Na primeira etapa do trabalho, os resultados de cinética enzimática com a enzima lacase em solução e imobilizada sobre tecido de carbono mostraram que os vários parâmetros experimentais (pH, temperatura, estabilidade) analisados devem ser considerados, a fim de se obter atividade máxima com os biocatalisadores. Além disso, em relação aos testes cinéticos e de estabilidade, pode-se inferir que o dendrímero PAMAM pode ser empregado como um bom agente imobilizante na preparação de bicátodos para biocélula a combustível enzimática. Na segunda etapa do trabalho, uma semibiocélula Etanol//O2 foi testada e os eletrocatalisadores testados foram o verde de metileno (VM) e o azul de meldola (AM). Os testes de potência mostraram a importância da presença do mediador ABTS e do eletrocatalisador (VM) para melhorar o desempenho do dispositivo. Na terceira etapa do trabalho, eletrodos com diferentes mediadores (ABTS, ferro porfirina, ferroceno, complexo de ósmio e complexo de rutênio) e com polipirrol eletropolimerizado na superfície do eletrodo foram testados numa semibiocélula Metanol//O2. Os testes de semibiocélula Etanol e Metanol//O2 com transferência eletrônica mediada mostraram que os biocátodos preparados com o dendrímero PAMAM e com os diferentes eletrocatalisadores e mediadores, se mostraram capazes de gerar densidades de potência competitivas em relação aos valores encontrados na literatura. / This work describes the preparation and characterization of biocathodes for Ethanol and Methanol//O2 biofuel cell using the enzyme laccase (trametes versicolor) enzyme and mediated electron transfer (MET). Investigation of the enzymatic kinetics of the enzyme laccase in solution and immobilized onto carbon platforms showed that the analyzed experimental parameters (pH, temperature, and stability) must be considered for maximum activity to be achieved. The kinetic and stability tests revealed that PAMAM dendrimers constitute very good immobilization agent to prepare biocathodes for enzymatic biofuel cell. The second part of this work, dealt with Ethanol//O2half-cell using methylene green (MG) ormeldola blue (MB) as electrocatalyst. The power test evidenced that it is important to have ABTS as mediator and an electrocatalyst, to ensure that the device performs better. The third part of this work evaluated electrodes with distinct mediators (ABTS, iron porphyrin, ferrocene, osmium complex, and ruthenium complex) and containing electropolymerized polypyrrole on their surface in a Methanol//O2half-cell. Ethanol and Methanol//O2 half-cell tests with mediated electron transfer showed that the biocathodes prepared with PAMAM dendrimers, electrocatalyst, and distinct mediators generated competitive power densities as compared with literature data.

Este trabalho descreve a preparação e caracterização de bioanodos para biocélula a combustível etanol/O2 utilizando enzimas desidrogenases, tanto com transferência eletrônica mediada como com transferência eletrônica direta. Na primeira etapa do trabalho, os resultados de cinética enzimática com as enzimas comerciais álcool desidrogenase e aldeído desidrogenase em solução e imobilizada mostraram claramente que os vários parâmetros cinéticos analisados devem ser considerados, a fim de se obter atividade máxima com os biocatalisadores; além disso, os resultados obtidos com as diferentes metodologias de imobilização empregadas (adsorção passiva e automontagem) confirmaram que tal etapa é crucial para a obtenção de um sistema viável. Os testes de semi-célula e estabilidade com transferência eletrônica mediada mostraram que o dendrímero PAMAM se mostra bastante atrativo na preparação de bioanodos para biocélula a combustível enzimática com ambas as metodologias testadas. Na segunda parte do trabalho, os resultados obtidos com os bioanodos preparados com as enzimas desidrogenases contendo o grupamento pirroquinolina quinona extraídas da bactéria Gluconobacter sp. 33 e purificadas em laboratório mostraram que ambos os protocolos de imobilização empregados nesta etapa (dendrímero PAMAM e Nafion-modificado) foram capazes de proporcionar um ambiente no qual as enzimas são capazes de realizar transferência eletrônica diretamente com superfícies de ouro e carbono. Com base nos resultados de caracterização eletroquímica, observou-se que a reação de interesse ocorre mais facilmente na presença de nanotubos de carbono, onde se acredita que os grupamentos heme-c permanecem em um arranjo mais adequado que facilita o processo de transferência eletrônica e consequentemente fornece maiores correntes catalíticas. Os testes de semi-célula etanol/O2 com transferência eletrônica direta mostraram que os bioanodos preparados tanto com a membrana Nafion-modificada quanto com o dendrímero PAMAM se mostraram capazes de gerar densidades de potência competitivas em relação a outros métodos de imobilização. / This work describes the preparation and characterization of bioanodes for ethanol/O2 biofuel cell using dehydrogenases enzymes, using either mediated electron transfer or direct electron transfer. First, investigation of the enzymatic kinetics of the commercial enzymes alcohol dehydrogenase and aldehyde dehydrogenase in solution and immobilized onto carbon platforms clearly showed that the analyzed kinetic parameters must be considered for achievement of maximum activity. The results obtained by using different immobilization methodologies (passive adsorption and self-assembly) confirmed that this step is crucial for attainment of a viable system. The half-cell and stability tests employing mediated electron transfer showed that PAMAM dendrimers seem to be very attractive for the preparation of bioanodes for enzymatic biofuel cell using the tested protocols. In the second part of the work, the results obtained with the bioanodes prepared with dehydrogenases enzymes containing the pyrroloquinoline quinone group, extracted from the bacteria Gluconobacter sp. 33 and purified in our laboratory, revealed that both immobilization protocols employed in this step (PAMAM dendrimers and modified-Nafion) were able to provide an environment in which the enzymes undergo direct electron transfer with gold and carbon surfaces. The electrochemical characterization results evidenced that the reaction of interest occurs more easily in the presence of carbon nanotubes. We believe that the c-heme groups remain in a more suitable arrangement in the nanotubes, which facilitates the electron transfer process and provides higher catalytic currents. Ethanol/O2 half-cell tests with direct electron transfer showed that both the bioanodes prepared with modified-Nafion membrane and PAMAM dendrimers were capable of generating competitive power densities as compared to other immobilization methods.

A presente pesquisa teve como objetivo primordial a verificação da viabilidade técnica de empregar sistema do tipo célula a biocombustível para tratamento de esgoto sanitário com geração de energia elétrica. A célula a biocombustível, em escala de bancada, adotada foi constituída por reator anaeróbio seguido de reator aeróbio, visando à remoção de matéria orgânica carbonácea e à nitrificação Cada reator apresentou área de 0,6275 m2 e volume útil de 24,0 L. A célula a biocombustível foi alimentada com esgoto sanitário com tempo de detenção hidráulica médio de 8 horas (nos dois módulos). Em cada reator instalou-se um eletrodo imerso, de modo que os dois eletrodos foram unidos por fio condutor externo. Foi verificada a potencialidade do sistema em gerar energia elétrica a partir das reações químicas e bioquímicas que se deram junto aos eletrodos e nos biofilmes aderidos aos mesmos. A operação da célula a biocombustível foi dividida em cinco Fases, denominadas de I, II, III, IV e V, sendo que o fator principal que distinguiu essas Fases consistiu no material eletródico. Manta de fibra de carbono e placa de grafite foram adotadas como ânodo da célula (reator anaeróbio). Chapa de aço inoxidável (AISI 316) e malhas de aço inoxidável (AISI 316) foram usadas como cátodo do sistema (reator aeróbio). Para monitoramento do sistema foram realizadas análises físico-químicas do afluente, do efluente do reator anaeróbio e do efluente do reator aeróbio e para o acompanhamento da produção de energia elétrica utilizou-se potenciômetro acoplado a software específico. Microssensores de OD, pH e potencial redox foram empregados como ferramentas auxiliares para o acompanhamento do crescimento e desenvolvimento dos biofilmes aderidos aos eletrodos da célula a biocombustível. Como resultados concernentes ao tratamento do esgoto sanitário foram obtidas eficiências médias de remoção de DQO de (74,4±17,1)% e de nitrificação de (65,8±21,0)%, no decorrer das cinco Fases. O valor da maior densidade de potência média verificada foi de 107,0 mW.m-2, ocorrida quando o ânodo da célula a biocombustível consistiu em placa de grafite e o cátodo em malha de aço inoxidável (AISI 316) do tipo 20, na Fase V. A dosagem de cloreto férrico e a colocação de meio suporte de material plástico no sistema para limpeza automática do cátodo, realizadas na Fase em que se observou a maior densidade de potência média foram consideradas como positivas no aprimoramento da obtenção de energia elétrica. Por meio da combinação dos resultados relacionados à geração de energia elétrica e da aplicação dos microssensores constatou-se que o desenvolvimento de biofilmes espessos sobre os eletrodos da célula a biocombustível consiste em fator negativo da sua eficiência energética. Concluiu-se que a célula a biocombustível é tecnicamente viável para o tratamento de esgoto com geração de energia elétrica, contudo diante do conhecimento que se tem sobre essa tecnologia, a sua adoção em escala real ainda é economicamente inviável. / This research aimed mainly to verify the technical feasibility of employing a system called biofuel cell for treating wastewater and generating electricity at the same time. The biofuel cell, in lab scale, adopted consisted of an anaerobic followed by an aerobic reactor, aiming the removal of carbonaceous organic matter and nitrification. Each reactor had an area of 0.6275 m2 and useful volume of 24.0 L. The biofuel cell was fed with sanitary wastewater with hydraulic retention time of eight hours (in both modules). In each reactor was installed an electrode immersed, and the two electrodes were connected by a wire conductor. The capability of the system to generate electricity from the chemical and biochemical reactions that occurred along the electrodes and in biofilms attached to them was verified. The biofuel cell operation was divided into five Phases, named I, II, III, IV and V, and the main factor that distinguished these Phases consisted of the electrode material. Carbon fiber felt and graphite plate were adopted as the anode of the cell (on anaerobic reactor). Stainless steel plates (AISI 316) and stainless steel meshes (AISI 316) were used as the cathode (on aerobic reactor). Monitoring system were carried out with physicochemical analyzes of the influent, anaerobic effluent and aerobic effluent and for monitoring the electricity production it was used a potentiometer coupled with a specific software. DO, pH and redox potential microsensors were employed as auxiliary tools for monitoring the growth and development of biofilms attached to the electrodes of the biofuel cell. The results concerning the treatment of wastewater were COD efficiencies removal of (74.4 ± 17.1)% and nitrification of (65.8 ± 21.0)%, throughout the five Phases. The amount of the higher power density observed was 107.0 mW.m-2 occurred when the anode of the biofuel cell consisted of graphite plate and cathode of stainless steel mesh (AISI 316) type 20, on Phase V . The dosage of ferric chloride and the placement of plastic midia on the aerobic module of the system for automatic cleaning of the cathode, conducted on Phase V, were considered positive for the improvement in obtaining electricity. By combining the results related to power generation and application of microsensors it was concluded that the development of thick biofilms on the electrodes of a biofuel cell is a negative factor in their energy efficiency. It was also concluded that the biofuel cell is technically feasible to treat sanitary wastewater and to generate electricity, but actually, based on the knowledge we have about this technology, its adoption in large scale is still not economically feasible.

Les biopiles microbiennes (PACB) sont un type de pile à combustible utilisant des bactéries comme catalyseurs. Par la métabolisation de matières organiques, les bactéries produisent et transfèrent des électrons à une matrice conductrice. Les matériaux carbonés, comme les feutres de carbone (fibres de 10 µm de diamètre) sont adaptés comme matériau anodique. L’objectif de cette thèse est d’évaluer l’effet des paramètres expérimentaux et structuraux sur la formation du biofilm et sur le comportement électrochimique d’une bactérie électro-active à la surface d’une électrode. Suite à l’optimisation de la croissance de Shewanella oneidensis en condition de semi-aérobie, l’effet de la présence d’oxygène, de l’état de croissance de la bactérie et de la nature de l’électrolyte sur le transfert électronique, ont été évalué. La polarisation de l’anode a des potentiels compris entre -0.3 et 0.5 V conduit à deux conclusions : (i) Les bactéries sont plus sensibles a des potentiels positifs élevés en réacteur mono-compartiment. (ii) En PACB à deux compartiments, les potentiels négatifs et positifs conduisent à deux structures de biofilm différentes. Un biofilm artificiel a été conçu en encapsulant des bactéries dans une gel de silice incorporé dans un feutre de carbone. Il apparait que le transfert électronique des bactéries encapsulées varie en fonction de la rigidité du réseau de silice. Finalement, par l’electrospinning d’une solution de PAN et le traitement thermique de la membrane obtenue, une électrode formée de fibres micrométriques a été conçue. Son utilisation en PACB conduit à une augmentation des performances de la biopile. Le courant anodique augmente d’un facteur 10 à 100. / Microbial fuel cells (MFC) are a type of fuel cells based on bacteria as biologic catalysts. By the metabolism of organic compounds, these micro-organisms produce and transfer electrons to a conductive matrix. The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of working conditions and structural parameters on the biofilm formation and the electrochemical behaviour of electroactive bacteria. By optimising the bacterial growth of Shewanella oneidensis strain in semi-aerobic condition, various working condition was evaluated to better understand the interaction between a carbon felt (CF) electrode and the bacteria. It appears that the bacterial state of growth influences the electron transfer of the cells, as well as the electrolyte nature. The effect of the anodic polarization was evaluated by applying various poised potential between -0.3 V and 0.5 V in both single and dual-chamber MFC. This study leads to the conclusion that bacteria are more sensible to highly positive potential in membrane-less MFC. On the contrary, in dual-chamber reactors, both positive and negative potential leads to the formation of different biofilm architectures. Then, an artificial biofilm was created by incorporating bacteria encapsulated into a silica gel into a CF. The electrochemical behaviour of bacteria seems sensible to the tightness of the silica network. Finally, by the electrospinning of polyacrylonitrile solution and then the annealing of the fiber mat, an electrode with micro-scaled carbon fibers was produced. The use of this electrode as an anode in a MFC leads to an increase of the MFC performance and more specially of the anodic current density by a factor 10 to 100.

La principale originalité de ce travail est la mise en œuvre de deux voies d'immobilisation du biorécepteur sur différents matériaux d'électrodes. Dans un premier temps, nous avons démontré que le polyneutral red (PNR) représente une bonne matrice de rétention pour les enzymes. De plus, de part ses propriétés de médiation vis-à-vis des enzymes et principalement de leur cofacteur (NAD/FAD), ce polymère permet une connexion intime entre le site actif de l'enzyme et l'électrode. L'ensemble de ces caractéristiques nous a permis de mettre en œuvre une bioélectrode applicable en tant qu'anode d'un biocapteur à glucose et d'une cellule de biopile à combustible. Dans un second temps, la glocose oxydase a été immobilisée de façon covalente sur une électrode. L'électro-oxydation de l'éthylène a été menée sur les électrodes de carbone vitreux pour obtenir des fonctions amines. La voie proposée est simple, rapide et efficace. Puis, la glucose oxydase a été greffée avec succès par la méthode EDC / NHS sur les fonctions amines après optimisation des conditions de pH. Ces bioélectrodes ont ensuite été testées en tant que biocapteur à glucose montrant une bonne sensibilité de glucose avec une bonne stabilité sur une période de 4 semaines ce qui prouve l'efficacité de la méthode de greffage pour des applications de détection et dosage. / The main originality of this work is the development of two-way to immobilize a bioreceptor on different electrode materials. Initially, we demonstrated that the polyneutral red (PNR) is a good matrix for retaining enzymes. In addition, its properties of mediation towards enzymes and mainly their cofactor (NAD / FAD), this polymer provides an intimate connection between the active site of the enzyme and the electrode. All these features allowed us to develop an bioelectrodes as the anode of a biosensor for glucose and a fuel cell biopile. In a second step, the glocose oxidase was covalently immobilized on an electrode. The electro-oxidation of ethylene diamine was carried out on glassy carbon electrodes to obtain amine functions. This proposed way is simple, fast and efficient. Then, glucose oxidase was successfully grafted by the method EDC / NHS on amine functions after the optimization of pH conditions. These bioelectrodes were then tested as glucose biosensor and showed good sensitivity with good stability over a period of 4 weeks which proves the effectiveness of the grafting method for detection and assay applications.

In the current pursuit of sustainable energy, biofuel cells are attracting considerable attention. Within biomedical engineering, the concept of harnessing energy from biological fluids, such as blood, holds significant promise, enabling both full autonomy and miniaturization. In this context, this study aims to identify the most efficient biofuel cells for miniaturised implantable biosensors and design a prototype based on the obtained results. To achieve this goal, a systematic literature review was conducted, comparing biofuel cells based on relevant parameters for powering devices, including power density and operative voltages. This categorization guided material selection, considering a cost-performance trade-off. Carbon nanotubes and Laccase were chosen to facilitate oxygen reduction at the cathode, while carbon nanotubes with Glucose Oxidase (with and without ferrocenemethanol) played a similar role at the anode—where glucose proved to be the most advantageous fuel. Electrode functionalization and assessment involved electrochemical and morphological analyses, culminating in the recording of initial results for the biofuel cell prototype. The analysis of scientific literature revealed that under physiological conditions, including pH, glucose concentration, and single-chamber biofuel cells, the maximum power density obtained was 1 mW/cm$^2$ at 0.65 V. The use of nanomaterials, such as carbon nanotubes, and enzymes proved crucial for achieving this performance by enhancing electron transfer, increasing the effective area, and introducing specificity to each electrode, enabling the biofuel cell to operate without the need for a membrane. During the design phase, the functionalisation of the cathode highlighted the critical role of oxygen, which has a limited concentration in the solution. At the anode, the attempt to achieve mediated electron transfer proved successful, in contrast to the method of direct electron transfer. Finally, the characterisation of the biofuel cell demonstrated a preliminary power generation of 0.38 $\micro$W/cm$^2$ at 0.2 V in 500 mM glucose. The preliminary development of the prototype confirms the feasibility of generating energy with the selected materials and highlights its limitations, laying the foundation for its optimization—such as through a more robust stabilization method. Furthermore, the project proves valuable in the context of active medical device development, enabling a comparison between the requirements of a hypothetical implantable sensors and cutting-edge technology.