Smithsonian Magazine · People & society

Digestible Paper Battery for Medical Devices Developed

Scientists have created a new type of battery made from paper that is digestible and can power medical devices inside the body. This technology, tested in pigs, could offer a safer alternative to traditional batteries for ingestible sensors and implants.

The paper-based battery uses magnesium and molybdenum electrodes, which are safe in small amounts, and a biodegradable liquid salt electrolyte. Cellulose fibers bind the cathode, inspired by edible rice paper.

Natural waxes encase the battery, controlling its functional lifespan. The batteries were designed to operate for about three days in the stomach's acidic environment before degrading over a few months.

Researchers tested the batteries in two devices: an RFID tag and a capsule that stimulates ghrelin hormone production. Both were inserted into the stomachs of pigs.

The RFID tag successfully transmitted data from the pig's stomach, and the capsule increased ghrelin levels by approximately 50 percent after 20 minutes of stimulation.

Experts suggest this swallowable technology is a significant improvement over devices requiring invasive surgery for implantation and removal.

The paper battery shows performance comparable to other digestible batteries in development, with a key advantage being its integration into realistic ingestible systems and large animal demonstrations.

The biodegradable batteries offer dual benefits: they break down within the body and minimize environmental impact after disposal.

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