Abstract: Oxygen is removed or maintained in a sealed container by electrochemically reducing the oxygen to water using an enzymatic O2 scavenging system based on a laccase enzyme. Activation of the O2 scavenging system typically occurs by water (liquid or vapor) adsorption; in preferred embodiments, ascorbate and isoascorbate (and their corresponding acids) are especially advantageous for their dual role as reductant and hygroscopic agent. The capacity of the O2 scavenging system can be manipulated by altering the concentration of reductant that is included in the O2 scavenging composition. The O2 scavenging system can be prepared in a variety of formats (e.g., inks, labels, packets, liners, patches, caps, within the packaging material itself) and is readily produced by apparatuses conventionally used in the industry on a high speed continuous basis.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a fuel cell comprising an anode and a cathode immersed in an electrolyte in the presence of a reductant and oxidant, wherein the distinguishing feature is that all of the elements of the fuel cell communicate freely with each other and there is no membrane or other separator between the anode and the cathode.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an electrode, suitable for use in a fuel cell, consisting of a microporous current collector incorporating a multitude of domains and wherein each domain contains soluble redox catalyst.