Brain implants have long been used for medical purposes. However, such devices require energy, so they need to be removed and batteries replaced every 2-3 years. The new development will at least help weaken this addiction, if not completely overcome.

How does it work

Technology uses Triboelectric effect in some materials when they rub against each other. Scientists have managed to create a system that produces energy in the process of breathing. In the simulator, this concept turned out to be fully functional: the energy extracted with the help of the triboelectric effect was enough to power the implant.

The device works by converting the user’s chest movement into electrical energy. When a person breathes in, a small and thin electrical generator called a triboelectric nanogenerator presses against the chest wall. It converts this movement into static electricity. A current is created in the triboelectric nanogenerator of the deep brain stimulator, which charges the supercapacitor.

We created our triboelectric nanogenerator using new nanomaterials that produce a significant energy output when in contact with each other, enough to power a deep brain stimulator.
– said in the statement.

Brain stimulators are often placed under the skin in the chest area. At the same time, electrodes are placed in the brain. Them It helps neurological and psychiatric diseases when traditional treatment methods are ineffective. About 150,000 people buy such devices each year to fight Parkinson’s disease. They also reduce symptoms of psychiatric conditions such as depression and OCD.

If the development of specialists from Connecticut reaches the stage of mass production, this will make it possible to avoid the constant replacement of power cells and improve the operation of such chips.