Emerging Implantable Energy Harvesters and Self-Powered Implantable Medical Electronics

Abstract

Implantable energy harvesters (IEHs) is the crucial component for self-powered devices. By harvesting energy from organisms such as heartbeat, respiration, and chemical energy from the redox reaction of glucose, IEHs are utilized as the power source of implantable medical devices (IMDs). In this review, we summarize the IEHs and self-powered implantable medical devices (SIMDs). The typical IEHs are nanogenerator, biofuel cell, electromagnetic generator, and transcutaneous energy harvesting device that based on ultrasonic or optical energy. Benefit from these technologies of energy harvesting in vivo, SIMDs emerged, including cardiac pacemakers, nerve/muscle stimulators, and physiological sensors. We provide perspectives on the challenges and potential solutions associated with IEHs and SIMDs. Beyond the energy issue, we highlight the implanted devices which show the therapeutic function in vivo.