Abstract
As implantable medical electronics (IMEs) developed for healthcare
monitoring and biomedical therapy are extensively explored and deployed
clinically, the demand for non-invasive implantable biomedical
electronics is rapidly surging. Current rigid and bulky implantable
microelectronic power sources are prone to immune rejection and
incision, or cannot provide enough energy for long-term use, which
greatly limits the development of implantable medical devices. Herein, a
comprehensive review of the historical development of IMEs and the
applicable miniaturised power sources along with advantages and
limitations is given. Despite recent advances in microfabrication
techniques, biocompatible materials have facilitated the development of
IMEs system toward non-invasive, ultra-flexible, bioresorbable, wireless
and multifunctional, progress in the development of minimally invasive
power sources in implantable systems has remained limited. Here we
summarise three promising minimally invasive power sources, including
energy storage devices (biodegradable primary batteries, rechargeable
batteries and supercapacitors), human body energy harvesters
(nanogenerators and biofuel cells) and wireless power transfer
(far-field radiofrequency radiation, near-field wireless power,
ultrasonic and photovoltaic power). The energy storage and harvesting
mechanism, configurational design, output power and applications in vivo
are discussed. It is expected to give a comprehensive understanding of
the IMEs for painless health monitoring and biomedical therapy with
long-term stable function