Date: Jun 19, 2008 Author: Matt Allen Source: bizjournals (
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Akermin received a $1 million contract from the U.S. Army to develop a biofuel cell using enzyme-based electrodes that provides extended runtime to unattended ground sensors, the company announced Thursday.
Akermin's enzyme immobilization technology enables biofuel cells to offer two to four times the runtime compared to the existing batteries, according to the company. A longer runtime means less risk to U.S. soldiers who otherwise would have to service the sensors more often while in dangerous war zones.
The sensors will have military and homeland security applications.
Akermin was selected by the U.S. Army's Communications-Electronics Research Development and Engineering Center.
St. Louis-based Akermin is a biocatalyst technologies company that has developed a unique polymer encapsulation system that immobilizes enzymes, stabilizes their performance and extends their operating life.
matthewallen@bizjournals.com
