Implantable Fuel Cell To Power Prosthetics

An implantable fuel cell that generates power through glucose oxidation has been developed that may be used to power future neural prosthetics.

The fuel cell was created employing semiconductor fabrication techniques that allow it to exist with integrated circuits on a single silicon wafer.

An activated platinum anode facilitates glucose oxidation. Half-open geometry is used in the fuel cell's configuration that shields the anode and exposes the cathode.

It is theorized that the CNS recirculation of CSF around the brain will provide adequate glucose energy harvesting without adverse effects.

Thus, low-power brain-machine interfaces can be powered or re-charged by glucose fuel cells.

PLoS ONE June 12 2012