Scientists Develop ‘Edible’ Batteries to Power Medical Devices in the Body

**MIT Develops Edible Batteries for Medical Use: A Groundbreaking Advancement in Patient Safety and Environmental Sustainability**

Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have unveiled an innovative technology designed to enhance both patient safety and environmental health—a new type of edible battery that can power medical devices within the human body. This groundbreaking work was detailed in a recent publication in the journal *Nature Chemical Engineering*.

The concept of edible batteries is particularly relevant, given the well-documented risks associated with traditional batteries. Swallowing standard batteries can lead to severe health issues and even fatal outcomes. To address this challenge, MIT scientists have developed a battery specifically designed to be consumed safely. This new technology offers the potential for various applications in medical practice, particularly for devices that operate within the gastrointestinal tract.

During preliminary testing on pigs, the battery demonstrated remarkable resilience, surviving the harsh acidic conditions of a pig’s stomach for up to two weeks. Throughout this period, the device generated a voltage of 1.84 volts, sufficient to power medical apparatus for a duration of three days. Importantly, after fulfilling its purpose, the battery dissolves without leaving behind any harmful residues or toxins.

Giovanni Traverso, a senior author of the study and a professor of mechanical engineering at MIT, remarked on the significance of this advancement. He noted, “For many of the systems we’re developing, we need power, and we power the system through different ways. Often we use batteries, so the question here was: could we develop a battery that was bioresorbable, and then apply that across a range of application areas?”

This bioresorbable battery represents a tangible progression from theory to application, marking a pivotal step in medical technology. Lead author Mehmet Girayhan Say echoed this sentiment, stating, “What makes this work exciting is that we were able to show that a bioresorbable battery is not just a concept. It can actually power clinically relevant functions inside the gastrointestinal tract and then simply dissolve.”

The upcoming clinical trials—set to take place within the next two years—aim to assess the battery’s effectiveness and safety in human subjects. The researchers are optimistic that this innovation could not only safeguard patients but also lessen the ecological footprint associated with electronic waste, as these batteries are designed to break down naturally after use.

Traverso elaborated on the dual benefits of the invention, highlighting its potential to revolutionise patient care while also addressing environmental concerns. He stated, “The benefits are twofold: one, the ability to be bioresorbable, but also the potential to minimise environmental impact because the materials will degrade in the environment as well.”

As healthcare increasingly seeks sustainable solutions, these edible batteries could pave the way for a new era in medical technology. With applications ranging from diagnostic devices to therapeutic interventions, the implications of this research are wide-reaching.

Whilst the initial tests have shown promising results, further research will be critical in validating the device’s safety and efficacy in humans. If successful, the integration of edible batteries into medical devices could significantly change the landscape of healthcare, offering safer and more sustainable options for both patients and medical professionals.

In summary, the development of these edible batteries not only addresses a pressing health hazard but also highlights the intersection of technology and environmental sustainability. As the researchers prepare for forthcoming trials, the medical community awaits what could be a transformative advancement in patient care.