Conventional wireless sensor networks (WSNs) powered by traditional batteries or energy storage devices such as lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors have challenges providing long-term and self-sustaining operation due to their limited energy budgets. Emerging energy harvesting technologies can achieve the longstanding vision of self-powered, long-lived sensors. In particular, miniature microbial solar cells (MSCs) can be the most feasible power source for small and low-power sensor nodes in unattended working environments because they continuously scavenge power from microbial photosynthesis by using the most abundant resources on Earth; solar energy and water. Even with low illumination, the MSC can harvest electricity from microbial respiration. Despite the vast potential and promise of miniature MSCs, their power and lifetime remain insufficient to power potential WSN applications. In this overview, we will introduce the field of miniature MSCs, from early breakthroughs to current achievements, with a focus on emerging techniques to improve their performance. Finally, challenges and perspectives for the future direction of miniature MSCs to self-sustainably power WSN applications will be given.

由传统电池或能量存储设备（例如锂离子电池和超级电容器）供电的常规无线传感器网络（WSN）由于能源预算有限，在提供长期且可自我维持的运行方面面临挑战。新兴的能量收集技术可以实现自供电，寿命长的传感器的长期愿景。特别是，微型微生物太阳能电池（MSC）在无人值守的工作环境中可能是小型和低功率传感器节点最可行的电源，因为它们通过利用地球上最丰富的资源不断地从微生物的光合作用中清除能量；太阳能和水。即使在低照度下，MSC也可以从微生物呼吸中收集电力。尽管小型MSC具有巨大的潜力和希望，它们的功率和寿命仍然不足以为潜在的WSN应用供电。在本概述中，我们将介绍小型MSC的领域，从早期的突破到当前的成就，重点是提高其性能的新兴技术。最后，将给出微型MSC未来向自我可持续的WSN应用程序发展方向的挑战和前景。