The doctor added: "In medical devices such as pacemakers and defibrillators, there are two types of implants, one mounted in the heart and the other implanted with a metal-based rigid battery, which is implanted under the skin. The subcutaneous implant is attached to the device and can cause discomfort to the patient as it rubs against the skin. Therefore, the batteries need to be fused to the body, and ideally, we would like them to be flexible to adapt to the body shape."
On the other hand, Dr. GeethaSrinivasan said the new battery will be safer than existing batteries. Since it does not contain flammable solvents, there is no danger of explosion. The technology may also be used in future cell phones or laptops, but their design is currently limited by rigid batteries.
Current batteries contain toxic materials that are difficult to recycle. Organic batteries, however, are able to break down over time. The new devices will be made from "natural raw materials" (biomaterials such as cellulose) rather than expensive metals or semiconductors. However, organic batteries do not break down in the human body; they only begin to break down at temperatures above 270°C. As long as funding is available, the new batteries are likely to be commercialized and could power cell phones or similar devices within the next five years.