Scientists Create Biodegradable Wireless Charger For Human Implants
Bioelectronic systems that double as implants are largely perceived as the future of drug delivery systems and more. Such implants may be useful as monitoring sensors and drug delivery implants. Since they are considered minimally invasive, they may be used to monitor and treat patients.
Scientists in China have created a biodegradable and wireless energy device that can power bioelectronics implants. Bioelectronic systems that double as implants are largely perceived as the future of drug delivery systems and more. Such devices may be useful as monitoring sensors and drug delivery implants. Since they are considered minimally invasive, they may be used to monitor and treat patients.
Lanzhou University
Why is this implant better?
A new paper published in the journal Science Advances highlights a problem with implantable devices of today - they use power modules to run these devices that are not as advanced as they ought to be at this point. Biodegradable power supply units, as they exist now, may be used only once and have insufficient power generation for biomedical applications, the paper states.
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Power supply units that are connected to transdermal chargers can cause inflammation and ones powered by non-rechargeable batteries may not to be replaced surgically, SCMP explained, referring to researchers from Lanzhou University.
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How is the new implant better?
In order to address this gap, researchers proposed a wireless implantable power system made up of "simultaneously high energy storage performance and favoured tissue interfacing properties." Its soft design and flexibility allows it to adapt to the shape of tissue and organs.
The device is charged by a wireless power supply device that consists of a magnesium coil. When an external transmitting coil is placed on the skin above the implant, the charging process is initiated.
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The power received by the magnesium coil passed through a circuit before it enters into an energy storage module that's made up of zinc-ion hybrid supercapacitors. The paper states that supercapacitors possess high power density and are able to discharge a high amount of energy while storing less energy per unit.
The power supply system's prototype was built within a flexible biodegradable implant (akin to a chip) that integrates energy harvesting and storage into one device.
Once charging is complete, the supercapacitor ensures a "constant, reliable power output." Since both zinc and magnesium are essential to the human body, scientists state that their levels contained in the device are below daily intake levels.
The device is encased in polymer and wax that can bend and twist based on the structure of the tissue in which it is placed.
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Was the device tested?
Based on tests in rats, scientists claim that it can work effectively for up to 10 days and dissolves within two months. By changing the thickness and chemistry of the encapsulation layer, the length of time this device can operate may be tweaked.
Even then, the device is not imperfect and a lot of added research and trials are required to make such implants work effortlessly in humans. What do you think about this tech? Let us know in the comments below. For more in the world of technology and science, keep reading Indiatimes.com and click here for our how-to guides.
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