Scientists at the University of Oxford have recently developed an innovative biodegradable battery that has the potential to revolutionize the fields of robotics and biomedical devices. This groundbreaking lithium-ion battery is not only high capacity and biodegradable but can also be controlled remotely, marking a significant advancement in battery technology.
The team of researchers has successfully used this unique battery to control the beating and defibrillation of mouse hearts, with the aim of exploring its potential in treating cardiac arrhythmia in humans. Professor Ming Lei, a senior electrophysiologist at the University of Oxford, highlighted the importance of this new technology in addressing cardiac arrhythmia, which is a leading cause of death globally.
Made from biocompatible hydrogel droplets, this new battery is designed to function within a living organism without causing any disruptions to its physiological processes. The development of such a battery opens up possibilities for creating small smart devices, smaller than a few cubic millimetres, that can interact with biological tissues effectively.
Dr. Yujia Zhang, who led the research into the battery at the University of Oxford’s Department of Chemistry, explained that the droplet battery is light-activated, rechargeable, and biodegradable after use. It is touted as the smallest hydrogel lithium-ion battery with superior energy density, making it a promising candidate for various biomedical applications.
The researchers have already filed a patent for this innovative soft battery, which could also find applications in small-scale robots for bioapplications. The ability of the battery to power the movement of charged molecules between synthetic cells and control the beating and defibrillation of mouse hearts showcases its versatility.
Published in the journal Nature Chemical Engineering, the study titled ‘A microscale soft lithium-ion battery for tissue stimulation’ details the research and development behind this remarkable invention. This new technology represents a significant step forward in the quest for biodegradable and remotely-controlled batteries with vast potential for future applications in biomedical research and beyond.