Self-powered pacemaker based on all-in-one flexible piezoelectric nanogenerator

Abstract

Self-powered pacemakers hold great promise for future clinical translation by virtue of their extended working time and reduced high-risk repeated surgeries. Although self-powered pacemakers have been widely investigated, systematic research on their pacing results in different pacing sites is still lacking, which is crucial for expanding clinical application in the future. Here we design a self-powered pacemaker based on all-in-one piezoelectric nanogenerator (A-PENG) that can harvest biomechanical energy from the cardiac pulsation, enabling valid myocardium pacing and conduction system pacing. The A-PENG prepared by bonding is featured good stretchability, waterproofness, and biocompatibility, which can generate excellent electrical output with human movement. The A-PENG possesses higher stress transfer ability due to tailoring the distribution of the piezoelectric particles, thus enhancing output performance, which can be validated by the comparative experiment and simulation results. The maximum open-circuit (VOC) voltage and short-circuit current (ISC) are 3.1 and 3.0 times higher than routine piezocomposite films. The canine model exhibits valid pacing when the device releases electrical stimulus at right atrium, left ventricle, and His bundle. This work provides a new idea for developing self-powered pacemakers with multifunctional features and an integrated device for in vivo diagnosis and treatment.