Scientists have created a revolutionary wireless charging device designed to be implanted beneath the skin, demonstrating successful results in rodent trials. If the same efficacy is observed in humans, this innovation could eliminate cumbersome batteries and wiring associated with medical implants. The necessity for such devices arises from the limitations of onboard batteries in bioelectronic devices, such as sensors and drug-delivery systems. External power sources pose infection risks, prompting the development of flexible, under-the-skin chips. These biodegradable chips, detailed in a Science Advances paper, conform to tissue shapes during procedures, marking a significant advance in biodegradable implantable medical devices.
The wireless device utilizes supercapacitors that store electrical energy, diverging from chemical energy storage in traditional batteries. While offering less energy per unit, supercapacitors boast high power density, enabling substantial energy discharge. Integrated into a biodegradable chip-like implant, the prototype seamlessly combines energy harvesting and storage. When connected to a medical device, the implant ensures a consistent power supply by directing power through the circuit into the capacitor. In rat experiments, the wireless implant functioned effectively for 10 days, completely dissolving within two months, confirming its biodegradability. Lan, a study co-author, suggests potential durability extension through reinforcing protective layers.
Despite promising outcomes, the prototype faces challenges before human testing. In drug-delivery experiments, rats with uncharged implants exhibited passive drug release, and a mechanism for turning the device on or off is yet to be established. Concerns persist regarding device size and achieving full biodegradability, requiring future research attention.
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