The inherent challenges to designing and fabricating such devices are the complexity of isolation of such proteins and their short shelf life. Membrane proteins present in the cells are bio-inspiration for the bio fabrication of futuristic energy harvesting and storage devices 1, 2. Finally, we designed a prototype of a self-lighting kettle and water–vapor panels for futuristic homes using a 'brine-silk cocoon protein bio-battery,' where moist waste heat generates electricity. Inspired by the cocoon ecology, we demonstrate an alternating 'water vapor–dry air' cycle for rapid charging and discharging of the cocoon battery. Every time the cocoon charges with water vapor, the next charging cycle initiates after the cocoon dries up. After 1 h, it maintains an average value of 0.39 ± 0.12 mA n = 12, indicating an upward shift in the baseline. Salt treatment followed by 2-min exposure to water vapor results in a sharp upward spike in the current (3.6 ± 1.07 mA, n = 12 mean ± SE) from the baseline (0.06 ± 0.02 mA, n = 12). We increase the charge carrier by soaking the cocoon in an aqueous solution of common salt (NaCl) to amplify the current. While water vapor improves the conduction, the deficiency of charge carrier diminishes the effect. In contrast, electron-dense, high-energy carbon species (C–N, C=C, C=O) remained unchanged, possibly enhancing surface charge hopping. In the present study, XPS analysis of cocoons showed that water vapor reduces the surface presence of low-energy carbon species (C–C, C–H). Water vapor increases the electrical conductivity of silk cocoons, human hair, jute, and corn silk.
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