Chinese scientists create biodegradable, self-powered implant to fast-track muscle repair

Researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) have developed a fully biodegradable, self-powered implant capable of accelerating the repair of severe muscle injuries. This new device — detailed in the journal Cell Biomaterials — addresses volumetric muscle loss, a condition where large sections of tissue struggle to regenerate naturally.

The team — led by Professor Bai Shuo from the Institute of Process Engineering — created the "muscle defect-electrical stimulation" (MD-ES) system. Unlike traditional stimulators that require bulky batteries or external wires, this implant harvests kinetic energy directly from the patient's own movements.

The system features two biocompatible components: a piezoelectric film made from chitosan and polyvinyl alcohol, and a conductive silk fibroin hydrogel scaffold. When implanted near a joint, the film converts mechanical motion into a mild electrical signal of approximately 500 millivolts. This energy is transmitted to the scaffold at the injury site, delivering real-time stimulation that encourages muscle cell growth while providing structural support.

In rat trials, the MD-ES system facilitated complete muscle recovery within just two weeks. Crucially, the device degrades safely inside the body after about four weeks, eliminating the need for secondary removal surgeries — a significant advantage over permanent hardware. Professor Bai notes that this technology offers a "new implantable strategy," paving the way for intelligent, surgery-free recovery solutions for severe trauma.