Novel bio-inspired energy harvesting and storage all-in-one platform for implantable devices based on peptide nanotechnology

Project Information

PepZoPower

Grant agreement ID: 101101071

DOI

10.3030/101101071

Project closed

EC signature date 3 November 2022

Start date 1 December 2022

End date 30 November 2024

Funded under

• European Research Council (ERC)

Total cost

No data

EU contribution

€ 150 000,00

Coordinated by

TEL AVIV UNIVERSITY
Israel

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - PepZoPower (Novel bio-inspired energy harvesting and storage all-in-one platform for implantable devices based on peptide nanotechnology)

Reporting period: 2022-12-01 to 2024-11-30

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The PepZoPower project sets out to address a pressing challenge in the realm of Active Implantable Medical Devices (AIMDs): the limitations of conventional lithium-ion batteries as a power source.
These batteries, while providing sufficient energy for devices such as pacemakers, implantable cardioverter defibrillators, and neurostimulators, suffer from significant drawbacks.
They require periodic replacement surgeries due to their limited lifespan, which not only poses serious health risks to patients but also imposes substantial economic burdens on healthcare systems.

The project aims to revolutionize the power source for implantable devices by developing a biocompatible, self-powered energy harvesting and storage system.
The core innovation lies in its use of piezoelectric peptide-based assemblies, which convert mechanical energy from natural body movements, such as heartbeats, into electrical energy.
This energy is then stored in a peptide-based supercapacitor, creating a compact, flexible, and autonomous power device.
By eliminating the need for chemical batteries and their associated challenges, PepZoPower has the potential to extend the lifespan of AIMDs, improve patient outcomes, and reduce the frequency of invasive replacement surgeries.

The broader objective is to integrate this novel technology into the growing landscape of implantable devices, addressing unmet needs in both clinical and market contexts.
The project leverages advanced biomaterials and builds on previous breakthroughs from the ERC-AdG-BISON and ERC-PoC-PepZoSkin projects. PepZoPower envisions creating a sustainable and scalable solution, adaptable to various applications such as spinal cord stimulators, cochlear implants, and artificial hearts.

The anticipated impacts of this project are substantial:

Economic Impact: By extending the operational lifespan of AIMDs, PepZoPower reduces costs associated with replacement surgeries, complications, and hospital readmissions. It positions itself as a cost-effective solution for healthcare providers and national health systems.
Healthcare Impact: Patients benefit from fewer invasive procedures, reduced risk of complications, and improved quality of life. The biocompatible and flexible design ensures compatibility with dynamic biological environments.
Technological Advancement: The project introduces groundbreaking energy solutions for biomedical applications, paving the way for new innovations in implantable devices.
Environmental Sustainability: By replacing toxic lithium-ion batteries with biodegradable and recyclable materials, PepZoPower contributes to a greener and more sustainable medical industry.
In summary, PepZoPower addresses critical gaps in the current AIMD market while setting the stage for transformative advancements in biomedical technology. It not only tackles existing limitations but also opens doors to next-generation implantable solutions, profoundly impacting patients, healthcare systems, and the global medical device market.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

The project developed and optimized the PepZoPower technology, an effective autonomous energy harvesting and storage system for biomedical applications. to achieve the challenging integration of piezoelectric energy harvesting and peptide-based energy storage, significant advances were made in both components. The piezoelectric layer was optimized by fine-tuning the crystallization processes, enhancing charge-generation capacity while ensuring mechanical properties were aligned with biological tissues. The energy storage system was improved by utilizing aromatic peptide assemblies to create high-surface-area structures, boosting capacitance and charge retention. These components were then integrated into a hybrid device, where piezoelectric energy was converted and stored in supercapacitors, with rectifier efficiency playing a crucial role in ensuring stable energy storage. The project demonstrated the system’s readiness for biomedical applications, highlighting its potential for wearable electronics and self-powered devices. Through systematic optimization and integration, the technology approached TRL 3/4, paving the way for future biomedical use.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The PepZoPower project has the potential to deliver transformative results and impacts in the field of Active Implantable Medical Devices (AIMDs), with wide-ranging implications for healthcare, technology, and sustainability. Below is an overview of the expected results, their potential impacts, and the key needs to ensure the project’s further uptake and success:
Technological Results: 1) Development of a compact, biocompatible system capable of converting biomechanical energy into electrical energy and storing it efficiently using peptide-based supercapacitors. Demonstration of superior piezoelectric performance, scalability, and durability compared to traditional power sources. 2) A working prototype optimized for energy output and mechanical compatibility with biological tissues. 3) Demonstrated feasibility for integration into AIMDs such as pacemakers, implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), and spinal cord stimulators (SCS). 4) Extension of device operational lifespan, reducing or potentially eliminating the need for replacement surgeries, thereby addressing a critical gap in the AIMD market.
Economic Impacts: 1) Significant savings for healthcare systems by reducing surgery frequency and complications, with cost reductions of up to 30% per patient over the device lifecycle. 2) Improved cost-efficiency for hospitals and insurers, enabling better resource allocation.
Key Needs for Further Uptake and Success
To ensure the success and widespread adoption of PepZoPower technology, several critical factors must be addressed: 1) Continued refinement of the device’s energy conversion efficiency, durability, and biocompatibility to meet stringent clinical standards. 2) Development of cost-effective manufacturing processes to enable large-scale production. 3) Testing the device across various AIMD applications to identify the most suitable market entry point. 4) Conducting rigorous in vivo and clinical studies to validate safety, efficacy, and long-term performance in real-world scenarios. 5) Collaborating with clinicians, patients, and regulatory bodies to align product features with user needs and market expectations. 6) Securing investments for scaling up production and conducting comprehensive clinical evaluations. 7) Establishing collaborations with leading AIMD manufacturers for co-development and integration into existing product lines. 8) Finalizing a robust business plan, including licensing strategies and revenue models such as royalties from device manufacturers. 9) Strengthening the patent portfolio to protect the technology and enable licensing opportunities while mitigating potential IP risks. 10) Ensuring alignment with MDR and FDA standards, including preclinical testing and design validation to expedite market approval.