Energy Harvesting from Muscle Contractions Using Stretchable Nanocomposite Piezofibers

Wearable and Implantable Medical Devices (WIMDs) are revolutionizing healthcare by enabling continuous monitoring, early diagnosis, personalized treatment, and connected care. However, these devices currently rely on primary or rechargeable batteries, posing significant challenges, such as surgical risks for battery replacement in implants and inconvenience due to frequent recharging. Addressing the energy supply issue is critical for advancing WIMDs, a market projected to reach tens of billions of dollars.

A promising solution lies in energy harvesting—transforming biomechanical movements into electrical energy to power WIMDs autonomously. This approach eliminates the need for batteries, enhancing device longevity and reducing surgical risks. To achieve this, energy harvesters must be efficient, flexible, and biocompatible, capable of integrating seamlessly with the human body.

Our research focuses on developing stretchable nanocomposite piezofibers for energy harvesting from muscle contractions. These innovative materials combine biocompatibility with robust mechanical properties, enabling them to capture mechanical energy from movements and convert it into electrical energy. By engineering flexible piezoelectric structures, we create devices suitable for wearable sensors, implantable systems, and tissue stimulation scaffolds.

This work not only addresses the energy challenges of WIMDs but also advances the potential for self-powered medical devices. By eliminating reliance on traditional batteries, these technologies pave the way for safer, more reliable, and patient-friendly healthcare solutions, driving a transformative shift in medical device technology.