Chinese researchers from Tianjin University of Technology have developed a new battery that uses oxygen in the body as an energy source for medical implants. This Na-O₂ battery utilizes dissolved oxygen in bodily fluids as an active component, changing the paradigms of power sources for medical devices in contrast to traditional batteries.
An imaginative design of the implant battery. The visual reference is taken from the article.
Main Advantages: Unlike traditional batteries, this battery operates without the need for replacement, standing out with its open cathode structure that provides a continuous flow of oxygen. Created using a sodium-based anode and nanoporous gold catalytic cathode, this battery not only remains flexible and implantable but also significantly extends the lifespan of medical devices by offering high energy densities.
☣️ Biocompatibility and Performance: In vivo studies conducted on rats revealed the battery's excellent biocompatibility and stable electrochemical performance. Designed within a soft, flexible casing that seamlessly integrates with living tissues, this battery exhibits a structure that does not provoke any inflammatory response or damage to tissues. Its ability to promote capillary regeneration around the battery's structure enhances its efficiency and integration into the biological system.
🔋 Beyond Powering Devices: The effects of this technology are not limited to powering devices. The battery's oxygen consumption feature holds the potential to deprive tumor cells of oxygen or could be used to target cancer cells by converting battery energy directly into heat. This multifunctional approach may open new avenues for bio-therapies to directly combat diseases using the unique properties of the battery.
🚀 Towards the Future: The research team plans to increase the battery's energy output by discovering more efficient materials and optimizing its design. By utilizing scalable production and cost-effective materials, this innovative battery has the potential to redefine not only how we power medical devices but also methods for combating diseases.
The development of the Na-O₂ battery can be considered a significant advancement in medical technology.
Leading to a new era of implantable medical devices by providing a reliable, long-lasting energy source while seamlessly integrating with the human body.
The ongoing research and optimization of this technology could reshape patient care standards and the functionality of medical devices in the near future.
For more: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2451929424000743
