These days, germs, bacteria, and viruses are not all discarded and deemed harmful, especially the ancient kind. In fact, they are being used to ‘assemble the electronics of the future.’

Viruses are now used as building components of solar cells and other gadgets. The type of germs used is called ‘bacteriophages’ or ‘bacteria eaters.’ They are ‘rod-shaped, and only nanometers or billionths of a meter wide. They are thinner than a wavelength of visible light.’

These viruses have now been used to build a high-powered, coin-sized battery that is proving to perform better than the latest rechargeable batteries used for personal electronics and hybrid vehicles.

Bacteriophages prey upon bacteria while protected with special proteins. Scientists ‘genetically modify these phages so these proteins latch onto metal, eventually forming structures such as wires.’ Researchers now also know which certain proteins grow on which parts of the viruses, as well as to which metals they bind.

Phages also create devices using a ‘more energy efficient and environmentally friendly’ procedure. This is because they do away with toxic solvents. The rationale is simple: since these viruses are living things, they cannot be cultivated in ‘conditions that will kill the bacteriophages.’

Via Live Science