What is it?
Scientists Han Ouyang and his team have developed a self-powered implantable device that can correct sinus arrhythmia and prevent muscular deterioration. The medical electronic device works by obtaining the biomechanical energy from the cardiac motion, respiratory movement, and blood flow. As the heart pumps blood through the body, it generates energy that can reach up to 65.2 Volts in the implantable nanogenerator. The nanogenerator gives them great output, high power density, and good durability. This new device can be the gateway to in vivo symbiotic bioelectronics.
Why does it matter?
The goal of engineering is to develop solutions to current problems. One of the biggest problems with implantable devices is their lifespan. Oftentimes the technology developed today requires a battery that needs to be recharged or replaced after a certain number of years. This device offers medical researchers and diagnosticians to gain insight into the heart and the internal organs while the patient is still alive and functioning. Many times the implantable devices have large, bulky batteries with short lifespans. People with these implantable devices will now have more options. This can be applied to anything from cardiac pacemakers to nerve stimulants.
Read more at https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-019-09851-1
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