(Invited) Triboelectric Nanogenerator as a New Energy Solution for Biomedical Applications

Abstract

As main topics, this presenter will report transcutaneous ultrasound energy harvesting using triboelectric technology. Implantable medical devices (IMDs) are designed to perform or augment the functions of existing organs by using monitoring, measuring, processing units, and the actuation control. Conventional IMDs are powered with primary batteries that require frequent surgeries for maintenance and replacement. Therefore, IMDs require a new reliable and safe powering system to avoid the need for frequent surgeries. Recently my group demonstrated that ultrasound was used to deliver mechanical energy through skin and liquids and demonstrated that a thin implantable vibrating triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is able to effectively harvest it. Ultrasound TENG (US-TENG) was triggered with an applied ultrasound. As the second topic, the presenter will deal with our very recent demonstration of a commercial coin battery-sized high-performance inertia-driven TENG (I-TENG) based on body motion and gravity. In a preclinical test, we demonstrate that the encapsulated device successfully harvested energy using real-time output voltage data monitored via a Bluetooth low-energy information-transmitting system. Finally the presenter will report a self-powered disinfection system for the rapid disinfection of air-transmitted bacteria and viruses based on a highly efficient nanowire-assisted electroporation mechanism powered by vibration-driven TENGs that harvest mechanical vibration energy.