Microbial fuel cell as power supply for implantable medical devices: a novel configuration design for simulating colonic environment.

This study focused on providing power for implantable medical devices (IMDs) using a microbial fuel cell (MFC) implanted in human transverse colon. Considering the condition of colonic environment, a continuous-flow single-chamber MFC without membrane was set up. The performance of the MFC was investigated.

A microbial fuel cell as power supply for implantable medical devices.

This study seeks a new way to provide lasting and secure power for implantable medical devices (IMDs) using a microbial fuel cell (MFC) which was proposed to be placed in human large intestine and could utilize intestinal contents and microorganisms to generate electricity. Based on the anatomic structure and inner environmental conditions of large intestine, transverse colon was chosen to be the appropriate location for the implantation of MFC. The performance of the MFC which simulated the environmental features of transverse colon by controlling dissolved oxygen (DO) and pH and was inoculated with simulated intestinal fluid (SIF) was investigated.