High-Performing and Capacitive-Matched Triboelectric Implants Driven by Ultrasound

Area of Science:

• Implantable bioelectronics
• Medical devices
• Energy harvesting

Background:

• Semipermanent implantable bioelectronics require biosafe energy sources and protective packaging.
• Existing research struggles to integrate these essential components effectively.
• Titanium packaging poses challenges for energy transmission in implants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a battery-free, miniatured, and wireless neurostimulator using implantable triboelectric devices.
• To overcome the incompatibility between biosafe packaging and efficient energy sources in implants.
• To demonstrate the efficacy of ultrasound-driven triboelectric implants for medical applications.

Main Methods:

• Development of capacitance-matched triboelectric implants powered by ultrasound (≤500 mW cm⁻²).
• Integration of a high dielectric composite for ultralow output impedance.
• Utilized full titanium packaging for device protection.
• Conducted in vivo studies on a rat model for functional validation.

Main Results:

• Achieved battery-free operation of a miniatured, wireless neurostimulator with titanium packaging.
• Demonstrated efficient power delivery for stimulation pulses despite ultrasound attenuation.
• Reported the highest energy transmission efficiency for such devices to date.
• Successfully relieved urinary symptoms in a rat model.

Conclusions:

• The developed triboelectric implant system is a viable solution for implantable medical devices.
• This technology represents a significant advancement toward permanently implantable devices for organ control and disease treatment.
• The system overcomes previous limitations in integrating energy sources and protective packaging for long-term implants.