Have you ever thought that our body could become a living powerhouse? A group of researchers fromETH in Zurich found that it can be done. As? By extracting energy directly from our blood sugar to power medical devices.
The electrode that changes everything
The research, published in Advanced Materials (I link it to you here) and led by Martin Fussenegger, revolves entirely around one element. It is an electrode made of copper nanoparticles, created at the Department of Biosystems and Engineering Sciences at ETH Zurich in Basel.
This particular electrode, a sort of fuel cell, is wrapped in a "non-woven fabric" and covered with alginates, substances derived from algae and commonly used in the medical field.
Once implanted under the skin, this tissue-covered fuel cell absorbs body fluids and allows glucose to enter. Result? Electricity due to the splitting of sugar molecules in the blood.
The energy is then sent to a capsule containing artificial beta cells (similar to those that produce insulin in our bodies) which, in turn, release insulin into the blood to regulate sugar levels.
Virtuous circle of blood sugar
The system could be used in the future to treat diabetes by autonomously regulating insulin and blood sugar in the body.
But that's not all: the energy generated by blood sugar would also be enough to communicate with external devices, allowing users to even remotely control their body-powered "insulin pump".
The next steps
The researchers have already successfully tested the system on mice, and are seeking the funding needed to turn the idea into a commercial product.
Hopefully, one day we will no longer have to worry about batteries for our medical devices, and will be able to harness our blood sugar to power pacemakers, insulin pumps and more.
That would be... very sweet news.
