Using charged viruses as charge carriers: An eco-friendly solution towards greener future?

As the worldwide demand for sustainable energy storage grows, traditional lithium-ion batteries are increasingly criticized for their dependence on limited minerals, environmental hazards, and carbon-heavy manufacturing processes. This perspective article presents a thought-provoking alternative: utilizing genetically programmable charged viruses as environmentally friendly charge carriers in advanced energy storage systems. Nevertheless, considerable challenges remain, including obstacles to industrial-scale production, maintaining structural integrity under operational stress, and gaining public acceptance of biohybrid technologies. Leveraging synthetic biology, machine learning, and circular design in an interdisciplinary way, it is believed that viral-based energy storage could transform devices to balance technological efficacy and ecological well-being. Ultimately, this strategy not only supports global sustainability initiatives but also redefines viruses, previously viewed solely as disease agents, as key contributors to a more sustainable energy future.