Advances in Triboelectric Nanogenerators for Self‐powered Neuromodulation

• Published in: Advanced functional materials Vol. 33; no. 8
• Main Authors: Elsanadidy, Esraa, Mosa, Islam M., Luo, Dan, Xiao, Xiao, Chen, Jun, Wang, Zhong Lin, Rusling, James F.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01.02.2023
• Subjects: Biomechanics; brain; Closed loops; Materials science; Nanogenerators; Nervous system; Neural prostheses; neuromodulation; peripheral nerve; Power management; Power sources; self‐powered; triboelectric nanogenerators
• ISSN: 1616-301X; 1616-3028
• DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202211177

Advances in implantable bioelectronics for the nervous system are reinventing the stimulation, inhibition, and sensing of neuronal activity. These efforts promise not just breakthrough treatments of several neurological and psychiatric conditions but also signal the beginning of a new era of computer‐controlled human therapeutics. Batteries remain the major power source for all implanted electrical neuromodulation devices, which impairs miniaturization and necessitates replacement surgery when the battery is drained. Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have recently emerged as an innovative power solution for self‐powered, closed loop electrical neurostimulation devices. TENGs can leverage the biomechanical activities of different body organs to sustainably generate electricity for electrical neurostimulation. This review features advances in TENGs as they pave the way for self‐sustainable closed loop neurostimulation. A comprehensive review of TENG research for the neurostimulation of brain, autonomic, and somatic nervous systems is provided. The direction of growth of this field, publication trends, and modes of TENG in implantable bioelectronics are also discussed. Finally, an insightful outlook into challenges facing self‐sustainable neuromodulators to reach clinical practice is provided, and solutions for neurological maladies are proposed. Neurostimulators that are battery‐free and self‐powered could revolutionize the treatment of many neurological/psychiatric conditions. Here, recent advances in triboelectric nanogenerators and their application in self‐sustainable stimulation of the nervous system are comprehensively reviewed. An insightful outlook into challenges facing self‐sustainable neuromodulators to reach clinical practice and proposed solutions are provided.