Bioresorbable batteries enable safe power for ingestible medical devices

A team of researchers has unveiled a new class of bioresorbable batteries designed to power ingestible medical devices. Constructed from materials that safely dissolve within the body, these batteries aim to provide a temporary energy source for capsules used in drug delivery, physiological sensing, and other therapeutic applications, eliminating the need for retrieval after their function is complete.

The batteries integrate biodegradable polymers and transient metals that generate electrical output for a predetermined period before breaking down into harmless byproducts. Laboratory tests demonstrated sufficient voltage and current to operate miniature sensors and drug-release mechanisms for several days, after which the components degrade without leaving residual waste. This technology could streamline the development of fully autonomous, single‑use ingestible systems, reducing procedural complexity and potential complications associated with conventional, non‑degradable power sources.