Researchers are advancing a wireless, self-contained power system that can run medical implants without bulky batteries or external cables. The breakthrough, described in Science Developments, outlines a biodegradable power supply designed to sit under the skin and be charged wirelessly or harvest energy from inside the body.
Many bioelectronic devices, from tiny sensors to targeted drug-release systems, struggle with limited battery life. Linking them to an external power source helps, but it introduces infection risks and practical hassles. The new study presents a prototype that can be charged through the skin and also draw energy from bodily processes, suggesting a path toward longer-lasting, safer implants.
In experimental tests with mice, the wireless implant remained functional for up to ten days. Significantly, the device was designed to dissolve completely within about two months, demonstrating biodegradability. Real-world timelines may vary, potentially requiring thicker protective coatings made from wax and polymer to endure longer use. The prototype comprised two inductors: one placed under the skin to receive power, and a second positioned outside the body to energize the internal unit. Energy storage occurred in a zinc-based battery, chosen for its compatibility and performance in a miniature implant.
The researchers also evaluated the wireless charger as a drug-delivery platform. Anti-inflammatory medications were administered to treated mice, and after twelve hours the subjects with the implant showed lower fever-induced temperature rises compared with those without the device. The results indicate effective, controlled release of the drug from the implanted system.
While this work marks a meaningful step forward, researchers acknowledge the path to human use includes addressing safety, reliability, and regulatory considerations. Biocompatible materials, long-term safety profiles, and consistent energy transfer through human tissue are critical factors that will shape future development. The goal remains a fully implanted, biodegradable power source that minimizes infection risk, reduces need for surgical removal, and supports safer, autonomous operation of implanted therapies.
In the broader landscape of medical electronics, this approach aligns with ongoing efforts to create safer, more convenient energy solutions for wearables and implants. As materials science, wireless power transfer, and biointegration converge, the potential for discreet, maintenance-free devices grows. The study contributes to a growing body of evidence that medical implants can be powered from within the body or through minimal external interaction, while eventually dissolving harmlessly after their job is done.
Future research will likely explore additional bio-friendly energy storage options, stronger protective coatings, and refined powering methods to ensure stable operation across diverse patients and conditions. The pursuit emphasizes patient safety, device reliability, and practical, scalable paths to bringing such technology from laboratory result to clinical reality, with careful attention to ethical, regulatory, and health outcomes.