Information Sheet
NASA Agreement Video
Patent

Collaboratively with the NASA Ames Research Center for Nanotechnology, Biophan is developing a power source for implantable devices capable of generating electricity from body heat.

Pacemakers, ICDs, drug pumps, and neurostimulators represent a progression in device sophistication that will continue to accelerate. These systems share one shortcoming: the need for a reliable electrical power source that does not require periodic surgical removal and replacement. Lithium batteries used in pacemakers have a useful life of 5–7 years; ICDs, drug pumps, and neurostimulators have much shorter replacement intervals due to higher power drain.

Benefits

Biophan’s biothermal power source promises:

• at least twice the service life of existing batteries, potentially many times more;
• reliable power generation throughout the service life;
• reduced life-cycle costs, including the costs and risks of surgical procedures required for conventional battery replacement;
• reduction or elimination of potentially toxic materials found in conventional batteries.