Supplying Power for Implantable Biosensors

Introduction to Biosensors 16.441, 16.541Group Members:Sujith KanaJesse Vengren

Abstract

Powering implantable biosensors is difficult.

Do not what to limit the subjects movement or impede them in anyway.

Want it to be minimally invasive Want the power supply to lastDo not to want to constantly

replacing themMiniaturization is critical

BackgroundBiosensors thou are fad in the

current decade, they have been there since early 1970’s.

Powering up the biosensor was a challenge even in 1970’s

Earliest application was pace maker

Mercury-Zinc was powering the pacemaker

Nuclear fueled cells considered as an option!

Energy HarvestingGathering energy from

environment the device is inMany different energy

harvesting techniques: wind, solar, kinetic, thermal

Not every one is appropriate for implantable biosensors

Kinetic EnergyUsing the motion of the body to

generate power.Three methods to turn

mechanical into electric energyElectromagnetic, Electrostatic,

and Piezoelectric

ElectromagneticUses the change in magnetic flux

to create powerGenerated by moving a coil

through a magnetic fieldRelatively simpleSame Method used in watches

ElectrostaticUses variable capacitorsChanges in the distance between

the plates to change either current or voltage

This type of kinetic energy is used in MEMS

Works well at low power

PiezoelectricBy deforming piezoelectric

material you can generate a voltage

Out side of the body it is easy to create mechanical deformation

Hard to find a natural body motion to create deformation

Issues with Kinetic EnergyMoving parts wear outElectrostatic requires preexisting

ChargeFor Piezoelectric need to be able

to cause mechanical deformation

Thermal EnergyUses temperature difference to create

voltageSeebeck Effect: Voltage is generated

due to a difference in temperature between two junctions of dissimilar metals

Many thermocouples in series to create thermopile

Issues with Thermal EnergyTo need large ΔT for single

thermocoupleInternal temperature change is

small When ΔT is small one

thermocouple does not generate much energy

Size becomes and issue.

Acoustic PowerApplication of

piezoelectric kinetic energy

Power by acoustic wavesWaves generated

outside the body transmit power to implanted device

Antenna similar to speaker cone receives acoustic wave and deforms piezoelectric material

Fuel Cell Sir William Grove found it in

1839 On chip power for

microelectronics Traditional Fuel cells vs

Biological Fuel Cells Powered by Sacccharomyces

Cerevisiae

Conventional Fuel Cell

Fuel Cell Continued…

Discussion

Discussion

1. Yeast

2. Cell Inoculum

3. Temperature

4. Glucose Concentration

5. Stagnant vs Agitated solution

6. Aerobic vs Anaerobic Condition

7. Active and Reserve Configuration

Discussion ctnd…

1. Yeast

Discussion Cntd…

2. Temperature

Discussion Cntd…

3. Glucose Concentration

Discussion Cntd…

4. Stagnant vs Agitated Solution

Discussion Cntd

5. Aerobic vs Anaerobic Condition

Discussion Cntd

6. Active and Reserve Configuration

Issues of Biological fuel cellsMicro watts of power generationPerformance over timeEnvironmental conditionsElectrochemical contact of the

micro-organismCost

RF PowerAmplifierInductive CouplingRectifierDC Regulator

Figure 1: Simplified RF Powering System (ref 1)

RF Power continued…

Issues of RF powerChanges in coupling coefficientConfined to labHeating of tissuesDependence on patient

compliancePossible RF interference

ConclusionThere are many possible option

for powering implantable biosensors

Each method has its pros and cons

Some are closer to being reality then others

Technology is constantly advancing

Work Cited1. Victor Parsonnet, M.D. “Power Sources for Implantable Cardiac

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12. Olivo, Jacopo, Sandro Carrara, and Giovanni De Micheli. "Energy Harvesting and Remote Powering for Implantable Biosensors - Infoscience." Home - Infoscience. Web. 04 March. 2011.

13. Shih, Po-Jen, and Wen-Pin Shih. "Design, Fabrication, and Application of Bio-Implantable Acoustic Power Transmission." IEEEXplore. Web. 4 Mar. 2011.

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18. http://americanhistory.si.edu/fuelcells/basics.htm