After 17 years of dedicated research, a significant medical power supply challenge has been overcome. A team led by Academician Wang Zhonglin has successfully achieved a breakthrough in self-powering technology for implantable cardiac pacemakers using the human body's own energy.

Cardiac pacemakers are critical life-sustaining devices for patients with cardiovascular diseases. Traditional models rely on external power sources or require periodic surgical procedures to replace batteries, presenting significant drawbacks including trauma, high risk, and limited operational lifespan.

The team innovatively applied triboelectric nanogenerator technology to the biomedical field. This system harnesses the minuscule mechanical energy generated by routine bodily functions such as breathing and muscle movement, converting it into electrical energy to continuously power implanted devices.

This technological advancement marks the first time a fully self-powered human implantable bio-device has been realized, completely eliminating dependence on external power sources. It establishes a core technological foundation for the development of advanced non-invasive and long-term implantable medical equipment.

Looking ahead, this breakthrough has promising potential for extension into other cutting-edge medical fields, including applications for brain-computer interfaces and cerebral stimulation technologies.