Biointegrable soft actuators alimented by metabolic energy

INTEGRATE aims to revolutionize implantable devices by using metabolic energy to power 3D-printed soft actuating materials and an energy-harvesting organ, enhancing autonomy and efficiency.

Subsidie
€ 1.698.750
2022

Projectdetails

Introduction

State-of-the-art implantable actuating devices, such as automated prosthetics, have time-limited operational capacities because they are sustained by batteries which, ultimately, rely on external power sources to be recharged.

Proposed Solution

INTEGRATE proposes a radically new way to solve this problem: use metabolic energy from the patient to power implanted devices. To achieve this ambitious goal, INTEGRATE will develop:

  1. New 3D printable soft actuating materials inspired by human muscles with high performances and low power consumption.
  2. An artificial organ capable of harvesting metabolic (biochemical) energy and transforming it into electricity.

Actuating Materials

The actuating materials, referred to as Bionic Muscles, will be prepared via self-assembly of biocompatible colloidal liquid crystals and stimuli-responsive polymers. A modular design and 3D printability will offer the possibility to manufacture these materials based on the patient's anatomy and needs.

Energy-Harvesting Organ

The Energy-Harvesting Organ will be capable of converting pH differences within various body fluids (e.g., gastric juice and saliva) into electricity with high efficiency, providing the necessary power to sustain the Bionic Muscles.

Impact

This research will revolutionize the field of implantable devices and will represent a turning point in robotics, wearable technologies, materials science, energy conversion, and materials engineering.

Financiële details & Tijdlijn

Financiële details

Subsidiebedrag€ 1.698.750
Totale projectbegroting€ 1.698.750

Tijdlijn

Startdatum1-6-2022
Einddatum31-5-2026
Subsidiejaar2022

Partners & Locaties

Projectpartners

  • VELTHA IVZWpenvoerder
  • TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITEIT EINDHOVEN
  • UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI ROMA TOR VERGATA
  • CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE CNRS
  • UNIVERSITE DE FRIBOURG

Land(en)

BelgiumNetherlandsItalyFranceSwitzerland

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