The virus possesses a property known as piezoelectricity, which means it can translate mechanical energy into electrical energy, the 'Daily Mail' reported.
Researchers believe the discovery could pave way for mobile phones that can be charged while you walk and replace the toxic
piezoelectric elements already used in mobile phones. Most mobile phone microphones are piezoelectric because they need to convert energy from sound waves into electrical output that can be transmitted and then translated back into sound waves at the other end of the line.
These piezoelectric components are made out of heavy, toxic metals such as lead and cadmium, according to bioengineer Seung-Wuk Lee. M13 bacteriophage has the ability to generate electricity when compressed without the involvement of any toxic chemicals.
To improve the electricity generating power of M13, Scientists team tweaked the amino acid content of the virus's outer protein coat by adding four negatively charged glutamate molecules.
"By utilizing the properties of these biomaterials, they can find unique applications in the future"
