Giovanni Traverso

Stories

Edible batteries that dissolve in the body could power ingestible medical devices

As of September 2026: Leading the bioresorbable battery program; planning the SAFARI clinical trial

MIT researchers have built a battery from magnesium, molybdenum, cellulose, and beeswax that powers ingestible medical devices for three days, then dissolves into compounds the body absorbs. It is the first bioresorbable battery with enough power for clinically relevant functions.

Updated Sep 21

Notable Quotes

We were highly restricted in what materials to use.

from Edible batteries that dissolve in the body could power ingestible medical devices · Updated Sep 21

The benefits are twofold: one, the ability to be bioresorbable, but also the potential to minimize environmental impact because the materials will be degraded in the environment as well.

from Edible batteries that dissolve in the body could power ingestible medical devices · Updated Sep 21