New Skin-Mounted Charger Developed by Scientists – Latest in Tech News
Chinese Scientists Develop Biodegradable “Wireless Charging Chip” for Under the Skin
Scientists at Lanzhou University in China have made a groundbreaking development in the field of bioelectronic devices, creating a “wireless charging chip” that can be implanted under the skin. This new technology has the potential to revolutionize the way medical devices are powered, eliminating the need for bulky batteries and cables.
The wireless charging chip has been successfully tested on rodents, and its implications for human use are significant. The prototype is capable of transferring energy wirelessly from the body or using the body to charge batteries, offering a new approach to the way medical devices are powered.
One of the most notable features of the new chip is that it can be completely resolved in a medical operation. The flexible and soft nature of the chip allows it to adapt to the shape of body tissue, making it suitable for cases where surgery is required. Additionally, the chip is biodegradable, meaning that it dissolves in the body without the need for surgical intervention.
Most bioelectronic devices currently operate on built-in batteries with limited capacity, often requiring a connection to an external power source. This can pose the risk of infection for the patient, especially if surgical intervention is needed to replace parts. The new biodegradable charger addresses this issue, allowing patients to avoid complications associated with external power sources.
The lifetime of the chip in the body is approximately two months, with the prototype used for up to ten days in mice. The chip completely dissolves in the body within two months, and this duration can be extended by thickening the protective polymer and wax layers surrounding the battery. Despite storing less energy than traditional batteries, the implant is capable of discharging a large amount of energy at once.
While the development of the wireless charging chip is a significant step forward, there are still challenges to be addressed before it can be tested on humans. The research team must find a way to turn the device on and off, as the current prototype only stops working when it runs out of power.
Overall, the development of the biodegradable wireless charging chip offers a promising new approach to powering bioelectronic devices. With further research and development, this technology has the potential to improve the safety and effectiveness of medical implants, benefiting patients and healthcare providers alike.
