Triboelectric energy generators for self-powered medical implants

Based on intense research efforts in the fields of technology development and materials science, a new generation of medical devices has flourished. But this medical technology still relies on conventional energy sources (bulky batteries).

These batteries typically have shorter lifetimes than the implant itself, meaning limitations on patients´ activities, infections and additional surgeries.

In an ideal scenario, active implantable medical devices (AIMDs) would be powered using integrated and fully implantable energy suppliers, not needed to be recharged or replaced.

An integrated implantable energy harvesting device to power AIMDs is the crucial missing component that would unlock this future.TriboMed aims to implement triboelectric energy generators (TENGs) for powering AIMDs, taking vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) as proof-of-concept.

I will show that TENGs can be produced at larger scale, while being miniaturized and tuned, supplying energy levels suitable for driving stimulation implants.

By coupling to a supercapacitor, I aim to develop a fully integrated energy autonomous VNS implant on a conformable and biocompatible substrate.

My approach is timely and innovative because it responds to the increasing needs of energy harvesting and comes when the maturity level reached by thin films technologies allows to start working on device integration.My background in materials science and my current experience in device technology provides me with the tools necessary for the successful development of TriboMed.

I have the privilege to be working at the forefront of the biomedical research, affording insight into the latest achievements and emerging requirements of VNS technology. TriboMed will unlock the use of triboelectricity for feeding other AIMDs and beyond, on the Internet of Things.

Turning the medical implants into self-powered systems will broaden the acceptance of the neuromodulation therapies, with a life-changing impact on a very large patient population.