Article Impact Level: HIGH Data Quality: STRONG Summary of Nature, 640(8057), 77–86. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-025-08726-4 Dr. Yamin Zhang, et al.
Points
- Researchers at Northwestern University developed a tiny bioresorbable pacemaker designed for temporary cardiac pacing. This pacemaker can be non-invasively injected and is ideal for fragile patient populations like newborns with heart defects.
- The pacemaker operates by receiving light pulses from a wearable device attached to the patient’s chest. This device controls the pacing automatically when irregular heartbeats are detected and dissolves naturally when no longer needed.
- Powered by a galvanic cell using biofluids as the electrolyte, the pacemaker measures 1.8 mm in width and 3.5 mm in length while delivering as much stimulation as a traditional pacemaker.
- The device can synchronize multiple miniaturized pacemakers, which is useful for conditions like arrhythmias. For more sophisticated heart rhythm management, it could be incorporated into implants such as heart valve replacements.
- This bioresorbable pacemaker opens new possibilities in bioelectronics, not only for cardiac conditions but also for nerve regeneration, wound healing, and pain management. It offers a solution with minimal size and no need for surgical removal.
Summary
In recent advancements in bioelectronics, Northwestern University researchers have developed a tiny, bioresorbable pacemaker designed to address the needs of patients requiring temporary cardiac pacing. This millimeter-scale device, which fits within the tip of a syringe, can be noninvasively injected and is ideal for fragile patient populations such as newborns with congenital heart defects. The pacemaker operates by receiving a light pulse from a small, wearable device attached to the patient’s chest, which automatically controls the pacing when it detects irregular heartbeats. This light-based mechanism allows the pacemaker to stimulate the heart without requiring invasive procedures. Once the pacemaker is no longer needed, it dissolves naturally within the body, eliminating the need for surgical removal.
The pacemaker is powered by a galvanic cell, which uses biofluids as the electrolyte to generate electrical stimulation. This innovation significantly reduces the device’s size, with the pacemaker measuring 1.8 mm in width and 3.5 mm in length. Despite its size, it delivers as much stimulation as a traditional, full-sized pacemaker. Additionally, the device can be paired with multiple miniaturized pacemakers, enabling more sophisticated heart rhythm synchronization across different heart areas. This capability is particularly useful for conditions such as arrhythmias and can also be incorporated into medical implants like heart valve replacements.
The research demonstrates the potential of these bioresorbable pacemakers in treating cardiac conditions and in broader bioelectronic applications, including nerve regeneration, wound healing, and pain management. By minimizing device size and eliminating the need for secondary surgical interventions, these tiny pacemakers offer a novel solution to temporary pacing, with implications for pediatric and adult patients. The team’s work highlights a new frontier in medical devices, combining small size, bioresorbable materials and wireless control to improve patient outcomes and simplify medical procedures.
Link to the article: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-08726–4
References Zhang, Y., Rytkin, E., Zeng, L., Kim, J. U., Tang, L., Zhang, H., Mikhailov, A., Zhao, K., Wang, Y., Ding, L., Lu, X., Lantsova, A., Aprea, E., Jiang, G., Li, S., Seo, S. G., Wang, T., Wang, J., Liu, J., … Rogers, J. A. (2025). Millimetre-scale bioresorbable optoelectronic systems for electrotherapy. Nature, 640(8057), 77–86. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-025-08726-4
