Subdermal solar energy harvesting – A new way to power autonomous electric implants

Tholl, Maximilien; Akarçay, H. Günhan; Tanner, Hildegard; Niederhäuser, Thomas; Zurbuchen, Adrian; Frenz, Martin; Haeberlin, Andreas

doi:10.1016/j.apenergy.2020.114948

Cited by 30 publications

(34 citation statements)

References 51 publications

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“…Combined, the meteorological data and AM dependent irradiance spectra generate time and location-dependent spectral irradiation data that can be used for subsequent calculations. The spectral light transmission of human skin can be characterized using Monte Carlo (MC) simulations of the light propagation in skin models 11 or by direct measurements as described in the literature. 24 This allows calculating the subdermal fluence rate dependent on the irradiance.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The light transmission of human skin depends on its thickness and composition. In an extensive in silico study, 11 we calculated the fraction of light absorbed by a solar module in different depths within the skin. We assumed a 2.5 mm thick, 15 , 24 skin type VI with high light absorption and scattering 11 to calculate the worst case scenario in terms of light transmission.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Therefore, the expectable durability of the solar modules is high. The potential of subdermal solar cells as a power source for electronic implants has been studied extensively with Monte Carlo simulations of light distribution through human skin (mainly skin type VI) 11 using in-house code, 12 – 14 in ex – and in vivo animal trials. In a human case study, 15 a wearable device with a solar module below optical filters that mimick the light transmission through human skin of type I/II was used to record the achievable output power of a subdermal solar module.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Potential of subdermal solar energy harvesting for medical device applications based on worldwide meteorological data

et al. 2021

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. Significance: Active implants require batteries as power supply. Their lifetime is limited and may require a second surgical intervention for replacement. Intracorporal energy harvesting techniques generate power within the body and supply the implant. Solar cells below the skin can be used to harvest energy from light. Aim: To investigate the potential of subdermal solar energy harvesting. Approach: We evaluated global radiation data for defined time slots and calculated the output power of a subdermal solar module based on skin and solar cell characteristics. We assumed solar exposure profiles based on daily habits for an implanted solar cell. The output power was calculated for skin types VI and I/II. Results: We show that the yearly mean power in most locations on Earth is sufficient to power modern cardiac pacemakers if 10 min midday solar irradiation is assumed. All skin types are suitable for solar harvesting. Moreover, we provide a software tool to predict patient-specific output power. Conclusions: Subdermal solar energy harvesting is a viable alternative to primary batteries. The comparison to a human case study showed a good agreement of the results. The developed code is available open source to enable researchers to investigate further applications of subdermal solar harvesting.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Potential of subdermal solar energy harvesting for medical device applications based on worldwide meteorological data

et al. 2021

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“…are produced using a variety of chemical methodologies (e.g., solution or vapour phase synthesis) on a vast scale, however, their green synthesis from renewable resources, [ 651 ] or replacement with natural conducting or semiconducting polymers such as melanins has not yet been explored fully. [ 407,425,620,652–654 ] However, proof of concept has been shown for the application of melanins in a variety of common electronic components, including (but not limited to): batteries [ 393,655–660 ] (e.g., natural Sepia officinalis melanin‐based batteries, see Figure ), [ 657 ] capacitors [ 661–667 ] (e.g., synthetic melanin‐based capacitors, see Figure ), [ 665 ] light emitting diodes [ 424,668–670 ] (e.g., synthetic melanin‐inspired DHI/polystyrene sulfonate‐based LEDs, see Figure ), [ 669 ] memory, [ 424,671 ] photoelectrodes for solar water splitting, [ 672,673 ] solar cells, [ 674–676 ] and transistors. [ 424,425,677–681 ]…”

Section: Melanins For a Sustainable Futurementioning

confidence: 99%

Melanins as Sustainable Resources for Advanced Biotechnological Applications

et al. 2020

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Melanins are a class of biopolymers that are widespread in nature and have diverse origins, chemical compositions, and functions. Their chemical, electrical, optical, and paramagnetic properties offer opportunities for applications in materials science, particularly for medical and technical uses. This review focuses on the application of analytical techniques to study melanins in multidisciplinary contexts with a view to their use as sustainable resources for advanced biotechnological applications, and how these may facilitate the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

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“…From the 1980s, solar power has been harvested and stored in photovoltaic (PV) cells to power up calculators and wrist watches. These can be implemented with a flexible design on the body [117], [118] or under the skin [115], [119], [120] to provide 100 µW to 100 mW per cm 2 based on the light intensity. Though these devices have rather high power intensities, they are not continuous since they depend on the environment.…”

Section: A Powering the Wearablesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Wearables for the Next Pandemic

Hedayatipour

McFarlane

2020

IEEE Access

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This paper reviews the current state of the art in wearable sensors, including current challenges, that can alleviate the loads on hospitals and medical centers. During the COVID-19 Pandemic in 2020, healthcare systems were overwhelmed by people with mild to severe symptoms needing care. A careful study of pandemics and their symptoms in the past 100 years reveals common traits that should be monitored for managing the health and economic costs. Cheap, low power, and portable multi-modalsensors that detect the common symptoms can be stockpiled and ready for the next pandemic. These sensors include temperature sensors for fever monitoring, pulse oximetry sensors for blood oxygen levels, impedance sensors for thoracic impedance, and other state sensors that can be integrated into a single system and connected to a smartphone or data center. Both research and commercial medically approved devices are reviewed with an emphasis on the electronics required to realize the sensing. The performance characteristics, such as accuracy, power, resolution, and size of each sensor modality are critically examined. A discussion of the characteristics, research challenges, and features of an ideal integrated wearable system is also presented.

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Subdermal solar energy harvesting – A new way to power autonomous electric implants

Cited by 30 publications

References 51 publications

Potential of subdermal solar energy harvesting for medical device applications based on worldwide meteorological data

Potential of subdermal solar energy harvesting for medical device applications based on worldwide meteorological data

Melanins as Sustainable Resources for Advanced Biotechnological Applications

Wearables for the Next Pandemic

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