Biocompatible, dissolvable batteries could power swallowable medical devices
TL;DR Summary
Researchers built a fully biodegradable battery using magnesium and molybdenum trioxide with a rice-paper coating and beeswax seal that dissolves in the digestive tract, packaging it with fully dissolvable electronics to power swallowable devices. Tested in pigs, the RFID tag transmitted data and a stomach-stimulating device increased the hunger hormone ghrelin, illustrating potential for safe, ingestible diagnostics and therapies that won’t release toxic substances as they break down.
Topics:health#biodegradable-materials#edible-battery#electroceuticals#ingestible-electronics#rfid-inside-the-body#technology
- Edible batteries power medical devices in the body Nature
- A new battery could make edible electronics safer The Economist
- Scientists made a paper battery you can swallow to power internal medical devices Live Science
- Batteries that safely break down in the GI tract could improve ingestible devices Medical Xpress
- Ingestible battery offers potential relief for stomach conditions Financial Times
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