This study shows the fabrication of innovative ossicular replacement prostheses (ORPs) based on banked cortical bone using computer numerically controlled ultraprecision micromilling, as a substantial improvement of "second generation" ORPs. Our aim is to combine optimal middle ear compatibility and surgical manageability in a single device, by releasing off-the-shelf homograft ORPs provided with the appealing features of synthetic ORPs, such as lightness, safety, measurement accuracy, surface decoration, and geometric plasticity. The new total ORP prototype was 13.1 ± 0.1 mg, leading to 81% weight reduction with respect to the previous model. Surface motifs of the head plate were applied to prevent slipping and migration after surgery, as shown by finite element modeling analysis. In addition, bone ORPs were provided with holed head plates to facilitate their surgical positioning while reducing their mass. A comparative measurement of acoustic responses of bone against synthetic partial ORPs in the 250-8000 Hz frequency range demonstrated their superior behavior. This study showed that banked compact bone can be optimally manufactured, eventually enabling the fabrication of light, standardized, and highly performant ORPs. The new bone ORPs may represent the ideal combination of biocompatibility and technology which can ultimately accomplish unmet otosurgical needs. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 105B: 2495-2506, 2017.

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Sustainable, green energy harvesting has gained a considerable amount of attention over the last few decades and within its vast field of resources, bio-energy harvesters have become promising. These bio-energy harvesters appear in a wide variety and function either by directly generating energy with mechanisms similar to living organisms or indirectly by extracting energy from living organisms. Presently this new generation of energy harvesters is fueling various low-power electronic devices while being extensively researched for large-scale applications. In this review we concentrate on recent progresses of the three promising bio-energy harvesters: microbial fuel cells, enzyme-based fuel cells and biomechanical energy harvesters. All three of these technologies are already extensively being used in small-scale applications. While microbial fuel cells hold immense potential in industrial-scale energy production, both enzyme-based fuel cells and biomechanical energy harvesters show promises of becoming independent and natural power sources for wearable and implantable devices for many living organisms including humans. Herein, we summarize the basic principles of these bio-energy harvesting technologies, outline their recent advancements and estimate the near future research trends.