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Updated: Mar 23, 2026
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Engineering Skeletal Muscle Tissues from Murine Myoblast Progenitor Cells and Application of Electrical Stimulation
Published on: March 19, 2013
21.7K
Implantable power generation system utilizing muscle contractions excited by electrical stimulation
Genta Sahara1, Wataru Hijikata2, Kota Tomioka1
1Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama, Japan.
Summary
This study introduces an implantable system that generates power from muscle contractions for medical devices. The novel system successfully produced net power, offering a potential battery alternative for active implantable medical devices.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Implantable Medical Devices
- Energy Harvesting
Background:
- Active implantable medical devices (AIMDs) require reliable power sources, often relying on finite-lifespan batteries.
- Current battery technologies necessitate frequent replacement surgeries, increasing patient risk and healthcare costs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and evaluate an implantable power generation system driven by muscle contractions.
- To assess the feasibility of using this system as a sustainable power source for AIMDs.
Main Methods:
- Development of a system integrating an electromagnetic induction generator, stimulation electrodes, and a motion transmission mechanism.
- Intentionally stimulating muscle (e.g., toad gastrocnemius) to induce contractions for power generation.
- Ex vivo testing to measure generated electrical energy and compare it with consumed energy for stimulation.
Main Results:
- The prototype system successfully generated electrical energy from muscle contractions.
- Net power output of 111 µW was achieved in an ex vivo demonstration.
- Generated electrical energy exceeded the energy consumed for electrical stimulation.
Conclusions:
- The proposed implantable power generation system demonstrates potential as a long-term, self-sustaining power source for AIMDs.
- This technology could reduce the need for battery replacement surgeries, improving patient outcomes.
- Further research and development are warranted to optimize the system for clinical applications.
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