Implantable Biofuel Cell

Current implantable medical devices require the use of batteries, which need to be highly encapsulated due to their toxicity in the event of a spill. Moreover, when the battery is discharged and needs replacement, surgery is required. This project will develop a biofuel cell that feeds on components of the blood stream (glucose and oxygen), thereby providing for the continuous recharging of a battery and avoiding the need for surgery when battery needs to be replaced. The size of the biofuel cell is envisioned to be extremely small, in order to be easily implanted into a blood vessel with very small disruption of the blood flow. The approach will focus on the synthesis of enzyme-stabilizing polymers, along with biocompatible polymers. The biocompatible polymer traps the enzyme¿s stabilizing polymer, making it safe to use in the human body, and accounts for foreign body reaction, biofouling, and thrombogenesis. Also, the biocompatible material will be permeable only to the biofuel and by-products of the biofuel cell (water, gluconolactone), in order to create an environment in which the enzymes can function. Phase I will synthesize the specific polymers for the anode and cathode, develop the biocompatible polymer, and design and test the biofuel cell with simulated blood. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the Applicant: The miniature biofuel cell would power or supplement existing batteries currently used with implantable medical devices, such as nerve stimulators, glucose monitors, drug delivery pumps, pacemakers or artificial retina. Because the biofuel is readily available in the human blood stream, the biofuel cell should be able to produce energy as long as the human subject lives.