An apparatus (or a biogenerator) is disclosed which utilizes the electrochemical polarization of epithelial cells to generate electricity. The apparatus employs living cells to convert chemical energy into electricity. The biogenerator is capable of supplying electricity to other devices continuously for extended periods of time. Because the apparatus may be made sufficiently small for implantation into the body of an animal or a human, such an apparatus is particularly useful for powering devices that require implantation into the host body.