Scientists at MIT have used viruses to create a lithium ion battery that could reduce the environmental impact of a wide range of electronic devices.

Currently, making such batteries means using aggressive solvents and high temperatures. But deploying a genetically modified virus - which is harmless to humans - uses no toxic substances. It has been engineered to collect materials such as cobalt oxide and gold for the anode, and combine with iron phosphate and carbon nanotubes to create the cathode.

The battery's developers believe it could be manufactured at a range of scales - large enough to run a car, or small enough to fit into micro devices.

"Using genetics means things can be made better and better," said Professor Angela Belcher, who led the MIT research team. "You are not stuck with a particular material - you have selection and evolution on your side."

She added: "We believe this has commercial implications - otherwise we wouldn't be researching this area."