Wearable Thermoelectric Generators for In Vivo Modulation of Insulin Release

Abstract

Bioelectronic medicine has provided innovative approaches to regulate cellular function, but a major limitation of most bioelectronic therapies is their dependence on external power sources such as batteries. Wearable thermoelectric generators with the ability to harvest sustainable energy from body heat represent a promising solution. Here, we present a device, called “integrated grid of generators imparting thermoelectric energy” (IGNITE), that enables wearable, sustainable, self-powered modulation of insulin secretion via bioelectric stimulation of engineered human cells. The IGNITE system continuously harvests body heat and converts it into a controlled electrical output to drive insulin release. The wearable system consists of an 8 × 8 series generator array composed of P-type (Sb2Te3@PEDOT:PSS) and N-type (Bi2Te3@TCNQ) materials, which efficiently generates and amplifies electrical energy to produce a stable 4.2 V output through an integrated voltage regulation circuit. A 60 s electrical stimulation induces reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated activation of engineered mammalian cells, leading to insulin production in a controlled and reproducible manner. In a proof-of-concept experiment in type 1 diabetic mice, the system achieved glycemic regulation without any external power source. This device lays the foundation for next-generation bioelectronic therapies by integrating sustainable bioenergy energy harvesting, nanotechnology, and cellular engineering for endocrine modulation.