Glucose as a New Energy Source for Pacemakers
May 2, 2016 | R&I WorldEstimated reading time: 1 minute
Researchers at the Instituto Tecnológico de la Energía (Technological Institute of Energy, ITE) are working on the creation of a bio-battery that uses blood glucose to produce energy. Such a battery would cut down on the number of surgical interventions a pacemaker user must undergo.
Current batteries are hardwearing and work well for implants that do not require much energy. However, when they run out, the patient must undergo surgery to replace them. Even devices that do not use much electricity, like pacemakers, have a limited useful life given this dependence on batteries.
The challenge of research in this area lies in developing electrodes made from materials that are compatibile with the human body, and able to oxidise blood glucose and convert it into fuel.
Mireia Buaki, project leader at the ITE, tells us more: “Glucose and oxygen are readily available in the human body, meaning our bio-battery could keep working indefinitely. Once the electrodes are fully developed, the next step will be to build a prototype bio-battery and test it to see whether it is able to obtain and store enough energy to power small implantable electronic devices, like pacemakers and cochlear implants.”
The ITE has been working on the development of polymeric and carbonaceous materials for energy generation and storage systems, like this new battery, for many years. This technology is very versatile and could have many applications across a diverse range of fields, from the analysis and detection of substances in foodstuffs, to wastewater treatment.
This research is being developed under the State Programme for the Promotion of Talent and Employability of the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness.
Suggested Items
Real Time with... IPC APEX EXPO 2024: Sustainability in the Industry
04/26/2024 | Real Time with...IPC APEX EXPOGuest Editor Henry Crandall and Chris Nash of Indium Corporation discuss the company's 90th anniversary and its focus on sustainability. They focus on the benefits of sustainable materials, their compatibility, and value propositions. The conversation also highlights how Durafuse LT technology's role in reducing reflow temperatures is leading to significant cost and energy savings. Nash also touches on downstream sustainability efforts such as using recycled materials for packaging.
Fujitsu, METRON Collaborate to Drive ESG Success
04/24/2024 | JCN NewswireFujitsu Limited and METRON SAS, a French cleantech company specializing in energy management solutions for industrial decarbonization, today announced a strategic initiative to contribute to the realization of carbon neutrality in the manufacturing industry.
Amphenol Corporation Releases 2023 Sustainability Report
04/23/2024 | Amphenol CorporationAmphenol Corporation released its 2023 Sustainability Report.
Foxconn Pledges 100% Renewable Electricity by 2040, Joins RE100
04/22/2024 | FoxconnHon Hai Technology Group announced its worldwide operations will run fully on green electricity by 2040 and has joined the global initiative RE100, in a milestone on Earth Day 2024 that adds the world’s largest electronics manufacturer and technology solution provider among the most influential businesses committed to 100% renewable electricity.
Altus Group Helps BitBox Unlock Productivity and Efficiency Gains with New Reflow Oven
04/22/2024 | Altus GroupAltus Group, a leading provider of capital equipment, has recently assisted BitBox, a UK-based electronics design, engineering and manufacturing company in upgrading its operations with the implementation of a new reflow oven from Heller Industries.