Blood as energy source to power smart cardiac devices

Project Information

Blood2Power

Grant agreement ID: 101115525

DOI

10.3030/101115525

EC signature date 20 June 2023

Start date 1 October 2023

End date 30 November 2026

Funded under

• The European Innovation Council (EIC)

Total cost

€ 2 885 525,00

EU contribution

€ 2 885 525,00

Coordinated by

I3S - INSTITUTO DE INVESTIGACAO E INOVACAO EM SAUDE DA UNIVERSIDADE DO PORTO
Portugal

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - Blood2Power (Blood as energy source to power smart cardiac devices)

Reporting period: 2023-10-01 to 2024-09-30

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death globally, taking 18.6M lives/yr. Most CVDs are associated with blockage of blood vessels. Vascular grafts play a vital role, replacing/bypassing these vessels, but have failure rates up to 50% due to thrombosis or infection. Vascular grafts of the future would ideally sense and monitor its performance and telemetrically emit data/alerts to the healthcare system so that medical actions can be performed to avoid graft failure. IoMTs has taken its first steps, but is still far from full potential/development, especially in implantable systems, which are limited by the use of batteries to power them.

The BLOOD2POWER project AIMS to contribute to this paradigm shift by proposing the development of a new way to harvest energy from the body, and using it to create the next generation vascular grafts: the iGraft.To achieve this PIONEER technology, new triboelectric nanogenerators (TENG) will be developed, converting mechanical energy from the body into electrical energy. A miniaturized ultra-low energy consumption power management unit will be developed and coupled to the vascular graft together with a wireless system, allowing it to store generated energy and collect and wirelessly transmit TENG outputs to an external electronic device (e.g. smartphone/watch). These systems will be validated in vitro and in vivo.

Driven by these challenges, this international team led by a young researcher gathers renown institutions and researchers with unique and complementary backgrounds in biomaterials, energy harvesting, electronics and medicine.

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

In the first year of the BLOOD2POWER project, key technical and scientific advancements were made towards the development of the next-generation vascular graft, the iGraft. These innovative grafts aim to reduce the high failure rates of the traditional vascular grafts by integrating self-powered monitoring capabilities, which will help in proactive healthcare interventions.

Activities and Achievements:
1. Development and Validation of TENG - The newly designed TENG was successfully created and validated in vitro, meeting critical performance milestones that confirm its suitability for use in the final applications. This system is engineered to continuously convert mechanical energy from body movements into electrical energy, thus supporting sustainable operation without reliance on traditional batteries.
2. Design of Power Management Integrated Circuit (PMIC)- A specialized PMIC has been conceptualized to manage the ultra-low energy produced by the TENG, ensuring optimal energy storage and utilization. This power management unit is in the design phase, tailored to meet the specific power demands of the iGraft while minimizing energy loss.
3. Antenna Design for Wireless Communication - The Blood2Power team initiated the design process for an antenna capable of wirelessly transmitting real-time data to external devices (such as smartphones or smartwatches).
4. IoMT Insights and Stakeholder Engagement - Given the novelty of IoMTs, we aim to gather opinions from medical doctors, patients, and the general public on this concept through a comprehensive survey that we have started designing. By integrating these perspectives, we are committed to developing a user-centered technology that supports practical healthcare applications and meets end-user expectations.

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)

In its first year, the BLOOD2POWER project has laid a strong foundation by achieving technical milestones that demonstrate the feasibility and potential impact of the under development technology. This highlights promising avenues for both clinical and economic impact.

Results Overview
Validation of Energy-Harvesting TENG: Successfully created and tested in vitro, the triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) meets performance criteria for converting body motion into electrical energy.
PMIC and Antenna Design: Initial designs for a low-energy Power Management Integrated Circuit (PMIC) and wireless communication antenna provide the foundation for real-time data transmission, a key feature of the iGraft’s IoMT integration.

Potential Impacts
Sustainable Technology: The TENG’s ability to operate without batteries highlights a sustainable path for implantable electronic medical devices, reducing environmental impact and maintenance needs.
Improved Patient Outcomes: By enabling continuous, self-powered monitoring, the iGraft will provide early alerts on potential graft issues, potentially reducing the need for complex medical interventions and improving patient recovery.
Healthcare Cost Savings: The early detection of complications could reduce hospitalizations and long-term care costs associated with vascular graft failure, addressing a substantial healthcare burden.


Key Needs for Further Uptake and Success
To fully realize these impacts and transition from research to market, essential development and support areas have been identified and are actively being addressed:

Continued Research and Demonstrative Trials: Within the project, further in vitro and in vivo studies are planned to assemble and validate the iGraft’s performance
IPR and Commercialization: Securing intellectual property rights for the energy-harvesting and data transmission technology is essential for market competitiveness. A PCT to project the IP of energy-harvesting system has been filed with the support of a patent attorney.
Market Access and Funding: Initial steps, including the development of a business plan, have been undertaken. In the future, establishing connections with investors and medical device companies and securing additional funding will be essential for scaling production in the next phases beyond this BLOOD2POWER project.
Regulatory Approvals and Standards: Establishing a clear regulatory pathway is essential to bring the iGraft to market. We have scouted and benchmarked Contract Research Organizations (CROs) to identify a suitable partner for collaboration. This CRO will mediate interactions with regulatory bodies and focus on standardization efforts to ensure safety and quality compliance.
Stakeholder Engagement and Market Alignment: Insights from medical doctors, patients, and the public will guide the final stages of development, ensuring the iGraft meets end-user expectations. A survey is underway, and ongoing engagement with our stables clinical consultancy board will help to align the technology with ethical considerations and market needs.

Through these strategic actions, the BLOOD2POWER team aims to bring the iGraft to fruition, providing a breakthrough in vascular graft technology and improving patient outcomes.