Researchers have developed an innovative battery that generates energy from our blood oxygen and never runs out. Patients can benefit from a higher quality of life.
Batteries can be extremely practical, but pose a risk in some areas. An example is the operation of medical implants. Because toxic materials, such as those found in lithium-ion batteries, are not an option due to the high levels.
That’s why researchers around the world are working on new, non-toxic methods of operating medical devices inside the human body. The Tianjin University of Technology recently made great progress in this regard. scientist developed there a new type of battery that generates energy from blood oxygen.
For example, it could eliminate the need for surgical battery replacements in pacemakers. Because these currently last five to six years and then have to be replaced through surgery.
Battery draws energy from blood oxygen
The new battery is based on copper foam and an alloy of sodium, gallium and tin for the anode. The cathode is made of porous nanogold. The electrolyte contains body fluid and blood, whose oxygen serves as the active component. Since the body constantly supplies oxygen, there is no need to change the battery.
To test the battery’s safety, researchers first implanted it under the skin of rats. The resulting wounds healed normally and no side effects occurred. However, the battery did not immediately provide a constant voltage because the blood vessels around the battery first had to regenerate.
It took about two weeks for the battery to continuously deliver electricity with a voltage of 1.3 volts. Although this is not yet enough for a pacemaker, the approach shows that the battery basically works. Further optimizations should increase electricity output in the future.
Use against cancer is also conceivable
In addition to pacemakers, doctors could also use the technology to treat cancer. Because tumor cells react sensitively to the oxygen content in the cells. An oxygen-consuming battery could therefore help to literally deprive the tumors of air they can breathe.
Research shows that continuous use of blood oxygen to generate energy is possible with implants. This could permanently change current medical approaches and improve the quality of life of patients with various diseases.
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The article Energy from blood oxygen: This battery never runs out by Felix Baumann appeared first on BASIC thinking. Follow us too Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.