Triboelectric and Piezoelectric Nanogenerators for Self-Powered Healthcare Monitoring Devices: Operating Principles, Challenges, and Perspectives

Abstract

The internet of medical things (IoMT) is used for the acquisition, processing, transmission, and storage of medical data of patients. The medical information of each patient can be monitored by hospitals, family members, or medical centers, providing real-time data on the health condition of patients. However, the IoMT requires monitoring healthcare devices with features such as being lightweight, having a long lifetime, wearability, flexibility, safe behavior, and a stable electrical performance. For the continuous monitoring of the medical signals of patients, these devices need energy sources with a long lifetime and stable response. For this challenge, conventional batteries have disadvantages due to their limited-service time, considerable weight, and toxic materials. A replacement alternative to conventional batteries can be achieved for piezoelectric and triboelectric nanogenerators. These nanogenerators can convert green energy from various environmental sources (e.g., biomechanical energy, wind, and mechanical vibrations) into electrical energy. Generally, these nanogenerators have simple transduction mechanisms, uncomplicated manufacturing processes, are lightweight, have a long lifetime, and provide high output electrical performance. Thus, the piezoelectric and triboelectric nanogenerators could power future medical devices that monitor and process vital signs of patients. Herein, we review the working principle, materials, fabrication processes, and signal processing components of piezoelectric and triboelectric nanogenerators with potential medical applications. In addition, we discuss the main components and output electrical performance of various nanogenerators applied to the medical sector. Finally, the challenges and perspectives of the design, materials and fabrication process, signal processing, and reliability of nanogenerators are included.

Reviewing the Impact of Embedded Systems in Medical Devices in the Usa

“…These wearable technologies have evolved to support a wide range of applications, from fitness tracking to complex medical interventions, reflecting the growing significance of embedded systems in healthcare (Iqbal et al, 2016). Additionally, implantable medical devices, including pacemakers and drug delivery systems, leverage embedded technologies to ensure precise and reliable operation within the human body (Delgado-Alvarado et al, 2022). The use of embedded systems in these devices enables vital sign monitoring, therapeutic functions, and precise drug delivery, contributing to improved patient outcomes and quality of care (Kim et al, 2020).…”

Recent Advances in Self-Powered Electronic Skin Based on Triboelectric Nanogenerators

“…Common positive materials are nylon, cotton, polyurethane or metal aluminum, copper, etc., and negative materials are PDMS, PVDF, PTFE, and other polymers, while the electrode material is generally selected as a material with excellent electrical conductivity, such as metal, graphite, conductive fibers, etc. [69]. According to different working principles, Professor Wang and his team established four basic working modes of TENG, namely contact-separation mode, lateral sliding mode, single-electrode mode, and freestanding mode [70].…”

Skin-Contact Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Energy Harvesting and Motion Sensing: Principles, Challenges, and Perspectives

“…Figure 2 shows the working mechanism of skin-contact TENG is based on the relative sliding motion between two surfaces that come into contact [ 68 , 69 ]. The skin-contact triboelectric nanogenerator comprises two distinct electrodes positioned on opposite sides of a dielectric layer.…”