Edible 3D printed battery opens medical device door

Researchers at Neptune Mellon University are developing an innovative biocompatible battery that opens the door to future medical devices that can be ingested and potentially revolutionize the treatment of diseases such as cancer. The biocompatible, non-toxic, edible battery being developed is made from naturally occurring melanin (which can be found in our skin, eyes and hair) and can be placed in 3D. Printed in the capsule. The project's head, Dr. Bettinger, recently revealed their research at the 252th National Conference and Expo of the American Chemical Society (ACS).

This innovative, absorbable battery is one of the best examples of the medical field moving towards more effective and targeted treatments. Bettinger explained: "For decades, people have been thinking that one day we will have edible electronic devices to diagnose or treat diseases. But if you want to take a 'device' every day, you must consider the toxicity problem. So look for those bio-derived materials to replace these materials in current electronics."

Of course, putting a battery into the human body is a big risk, which is why the battery of the pacemaker must be wrapped in an insulated, isolated environment. With this in mind, the development of biodegradable, non-toxic, absorbable cells is likely to be key to achieving low power, repeatable applications such as micro drug delivery devices.

In order to develop absorbable batteries, the team of scientists at Carnegie Mellon University has been researching natural melanin and other organic compounds. As we all know, melanin can absorb ultraviolet rays to protect us, it can also bind and unbind metal ions, which is basically a battery function. This inspired scientists to delve deeper into its possibilities, as Bettinger said: "We thought it was basically a battery."

Scientists used melanin to design different battery prototypes. After experimentation, the scientists found that using 600 mg of active melanin as a cathode, they could power a 5 mW device for up to 18 hours. Therefore, although the battery is relatively low, it is sufficient to power an absorbable drug delivery system.

In addition to melanin-based batteries, the research team is working hard to develop pectin-based batteries. Pectin is a natural gel derived from implantation and is often used in the production of jams and jellies. As mentioned earlier, scientists are currently using 3D printers to create battery-shell capsules made from PLA materials.