Cambridge: Scientists have invented a new type of flexible battery that is safe to implant in the human body.
A team of researchers from the University of Cambridge has created self-healing batteries from a jelly-like material inspired by the muscle cells of electric elk.
Similar to the electrolytes found in muscle cells, the hydrogel material remains soft and flexible and can deliver current without reducing conductivity.
Stephen O'Neill, from Cambridge's Yusuf Hameed Department of Chemistry, said it is difficult to design a material that is both flexible and has excellent conductivity, as the two properties usually do not go hand in hand. Generally, when the material is elastic, the conductivity decreases.
Other potential uses for this new technology could be in wearable devices and soft robotics, the researchers said. While an implant under the skin can be used to administer medication or implanted into the brain to treat conditions such as epilepsy.
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