No batteries required: powering medical implants with body sugar
A UK-led research team has received over £2 million to develop a new generation of implantable medical devices that run on natural sugars found in the human body. These innovative devices aim to treat chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disorders, and neurodegenerative conditions.
The Glutronics project, led by the University of Bath in partnership with the Universities of Newcastle, Oxford, and Sheffield, focuses on bioelectronics powered by glucose. By eliminating the need for conventional batteries, the team hopes to create a new class of lightweight, efficient, and sustainable medical implants.
“Glutronics—short for Glucose-fuelled ultra-low power implantable bioelectronics—addresses a critical challenge in healthcare: reducing the invasiveness and limitations of current implantable devices.”
Today’s implants depend mostly on batteries that, even as they get smaller, still occupy over 80% of a device’s total bulk and weight. This leads to complex and risky surgical procedures when replacements or recharging are required, reducing patient comfort and long-term usability.
The research group is designing compact glucose fuel cells capable of turning sugars in bodily fluids into energy at the microwatt scale—one millionth of a watt—providing a stable power source for next-generation implants.
Potential impact
- Improved comfort and safety by removing the need for battery replacement surgeries.
- Reduced device size, allowing for less invasive treatments.
- Extended lifespan of implants powered by the body's natural energy sources.
Author’s summary: Scientists are developing glucose-powered medical implants that replace bulky batteries, offering safer and longer-lasting treatments for chronic and degenerative illnesses.