Project description
Triboelectricity for self-sustaining medical implants
Intensive research in technology and materials science has led to a new generation of medical devices. However, these devices still rely on conventional energy sources, such as bulky batteries, which have shorter lifespans than the implants. Ideally, active implantable medical devices (AIMDs) would be powered by fully implantable energy sources that do not require recharging or replacement. The ERC-funded TriboMed project aims to use triboelectric energy generators (TENGs) to power AIMDs, focusing on vagus nerve stimulation (VNS). The project will demonstrate the scalability and miniaturisation of TENG technology developed on a flexible and biocompatible substrate. By integrating the TENG with a storage technology, the project will develop a self-sustaining VNS implant, also broadening the use of triboelectricity to power other AIMDs.
Objective
Based on intense research efforts in the fields of technology development and materials science, a new generation of medical devices has flourished. But this medical technology still relies on conventional energy sources (bulky batteries). These batteries typically have shorter lifetimes than the implant itself, meaning limitations on patients´ activities, infections and additional surgeries. In an ideal scenario, active implantable medical devices (AIMDs) would be powered using integrated and fully implantable energy suppliers, not needed to be recharged or replaced. An integrated implantable energy harvesting device to power AIMDs is the crucial missing component that would unlock this future.
TriboMed aims to implement triboelectric energy generators (TENGs) for powering AIMDs, taking vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) as proof-of-concept. I will show that TENGs can be produced at larger scale, while being miniaturized and tuned, supplying energy levels suitable for driving stimulation implants. By coupling to a supercapacitor, I aim to develop a fully integrated energy autonomous VNS implant on a conformable and biocompatible substrate. My approach is timely and innovative because it responds to the increasing needs of energy harvesting and comes when the maturity level reached by thin films technologies allows to start working on device integration.
My background in materials science and my current experience in device technology provides me with the tools necessary for the successful development of TriboMed. I have the privilege to be working at the forefront of the biomedical research, affording insight into the latest achievements and emerging requirements of VNS technology. TriboMed will unlock the use of triboelectricity for feeding other AIMDs and beyond, on the Internet of Things. Turning the medical implants into self-powered systems will broaden the acceptance of the neuromodulation therapies, with a life-changing impact on a very large patient population.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences computer and information sciences internet
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine surgery
- medical and health sciences medical biotechnology implants
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-ERC - HORIZON ERC Grants
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2023-COG
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
08193 BELLATERRA (BARCELONA)
Spain
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.