Recently, the medical device field has seen many changes. There are new implantable electronics. They have made diagnosing and treating diseases better. They also help with healing wounds and monitoring health. However, these devices require batteries to function. Traditional batteries are not always effective. They have a short life and limited power. This issue is because of the materials used in their creation.
Researchers at Tianjin University of Technology have made a big discovery. They created a new kind of battery that can be put inside the body. This battery works using the body’s oxygen. It could change how we power devices like pacemakers and neurostimulators.
The Body as a Continuous Energy Source for Implantable Battery
Living organisms contain a wealth of basic components that can be used as continuous energy sources for batteries, including dissolved oxygen, glucose, enzymes, and sweat.
A new battery can be placed inside the body. It creates electricity using oxygen from body fluids. This way, it avoids using short-lived traditional batteries.
The battery has electrodes. These are made from a sodium-based alloy and nanoporous gold. They generate power by reacting with oxygen inside the body. The battery is wrapped in a porous polymer film. This is done to make it safe and flexible.
Testing and Results
The implantable battery was tested for its feasibility and safety. It was implanted under the skin of rats. Over two weeks, it maintained voltages between 1.3 V and 1.4 V with a power density of 2.6 µW/cm^2. While it may not currently be powerful enough for medical devices, this successful test demonstrates the potential of using internal oxygen for energy generation.
The research team found out that the rats didn’t have significant inflammation. They also saw that the rats’ hair completely grew back. Plus, their blood vessels around the battery healed within four weeks. This result is unexpected and hopeful. It means the battery not only provides constant power but also helps monitor wound healing.
Potential for Future Development of Implantable Battery
The scientists behind this study are now focusing on enhancing the battery’s energy output by exploring more efficient materials and optimizing its structure. They believe that this implantable battery also has significant potential for scaling and cost-effectiveness.
The O2 concentration in the present battery can be controlled precisely and thus has the potential of therapeutic capabilities against diseases caused by oxygen aggregation or pathogenic bacteria.
This new development in implantable batteries is important for medical devices. It uses the body’s resources for power. This technology could lead to better and more efficient devices in the future.
We are excited to see where this research will lead and how it will continue to revolutionize medical technology. The potential benefits for patients are immense, and we look forward to seeing this implantable battery become a reality in medical practice.
