Kang Donghyeon, Park Byung-Joon, Hwang Joon-Ha, Kim Young-Jun, Kim So-Hee, Kim Hyun Woo, Yu Ki Jun, Jeon Jinyoung, Lee Hyeon Yeong, Chung Youngwook, Nam Soo Hyun, Choi Byung-Ok, Kim Sang-Woo
Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea.
Center for Human-oriented Triboelectric Energy Harvesting, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea.
Sci Adv. 2025 Jul 25;11(30):eadx5922. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.adx5922. Epub 2025 Jul 23.
Wireless power transfer-based neuromodulation has emerged as a promising alternative to battery-powered implants. However, its practical application is hindered by limited therapeutic efficacy resulting from low power transfer efficiency, shallow penetration depth, and safety concerns. In this study, we report an in-body current path manipulation and concentration for advanced targeted neuromodulation, overcoming the limitations of conventional technologies. By implanting a focusing electrode, we were able to direct the triboelectric current, which has a low frequency and high impedance generated by human movement, toward the target area, with the concentrated current exhibiting minimal attenuation regardless of the electrode size, implantation site, and depth. Applying our technology to modulate damaged neural systems confirmed therapeutic efficacy and validated safety, demonstrating its potential for next-generation targeted neuromodulation.
基于无线电力传输的神经调节已成为电池供电植入物的一种有前景的替代方案。然而,其实际应用受到低功率传输效率、浅穿透深度和安全问题导致的治疗效果有限的阻碍。在本研究中,我们报告了一种用于先进靶向神经调节的体内电流路径操纵和集中方法,克服了传统技术的局限性。通过植入聚焦电极,我们能够将由人体运动产生的低频、高阻抗的摩擦电流导向目标区域,无论电极尺寸、植入部位和深度如何,集中电流的衰减都最小。将我们的技术应用于调节受损神经系统证实了治疗效果并验证了安全性,证明了其在下一代靶向神经调节中的潜力。