Originally Published MPMN October
2004
INDUSTRY NEWS
Biomedical Device
Maker Teams with NASA to Develop Nano-Sized Biothermal Battery
Corinne
Litchfield
 |
| Biophan’s biothermal battery is powered by body heat differentials. The battery is designed for use in implantable medical devices (click to enlarge). |
Biophan Technologies Inc. (Rochester, NY; www.biophan.com)
recently announced an agreement between its TE-Bio subsidiary and NASA for the
joint development of high-density, nanoengineered thermoelectric materials for
use with implantable medical devices. The agreement was signed on August 17.
Research will be conducted at the NASA Ames Research Center for Nanotechnology
at Moffett Field in California.
Currently, implantable electromedical devices have to be replaced every few
years due to short battery life. Biophan’s aim is to develop a thermoelectric
power system based on temperature differentials in the human body. “By
deriving power from the heat produced by the body,” says Biophan CEO Michael
Weiner, “we can extend the life of these devices.” In the initial
phases of the project, the company will supply parts to NASA for the construction
of special test equipment. “[By teaming with NASA] we can more quickly
bring these innovations to market and to NASA missions,” adds Weiner.
NASA’s experience with thermoelectric power systems includes the Voyager
mission, which began in 1977. In teaming with Biophan, NASA scientists will
develop miniature diagnostic sensors powered by a biothermal battery to be used
on astronauts. “We are pleased to be working with Biophan on a joint research
initiative to help advance the concept of an implanted biothermal source to
power medical sensing and therapeutic devices,” states David Lackner, technology
partnership manager at NASA Ames Research Center. “On deep-space missions,
such as a trip to Mars, having efficient ways to monitor and treat astronauts
can be very useful.”
In signing the agreement with NASA, Biophan is able to reduce R&D time to
market and avoid expenses on cleanrooms and specialized test equipment. While
NASA scientists will have rights to use the resulting technology in the space
program, Biophan retains the exclusive license to a very broad patent. It will
derive income from licensing fees, R&D agreements, and other resources.
Possible future applications include the development of a biothermal battery
that will generate adequate power for neurostimulators and pacemakers. The battery
could also be used to supplement and/or recharge power sources in larger devices
such as defibrillators.
Several medical device OEMs have expressed interest in the technology. “There’s
a real human benefit for those individuals in need of advanced biomedical devices,”
says Weiner.
Biophan Technologies develops and markets technologies designed to make biomedical
devices safe, both implanted devices and those used in surgical and diagnostic
procedures, and to reduce interference that these devices cause to magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI) image quality.
Copyright ©2004 Medical Product Manufacturing News
