Bioinspired, Nanostructure-Amplified, Subcutaneous Light Harvesting to Power Implantable Biomedical Electronics.

Abstract

Implantable biomedical electronics hold immense promise for <i>in vivo</i> personalized healthy monitoring and even precise therapeutic intervention. Tremendous miniaturization of indwelling modules enables implanted biomedical devices to perform multiple functions with ultralow power consumption but exacerbates the technical challenges of supplying effective power to the devices <i>in vivo</i>. In this Perspective, we summarize new developments in transmitting near-infrared light from sunlight or a light-emitting diode into subcutaneously implanted photovoltaic cells, in which the light utilization efficiency can be amplified with the aid of nanostructured rear reflectors. Considering the many natural examples of nanostructure-induced structural coloration displayed by submarine animals, we wish to open up new prospects of bioinspired, nanostructure-amplified, subcutaneous light harvesting to power implanted biomedical electronics.