How can a device work briefly inside the body and then disappear? Researchers are exploring a bioresorbable paper battery. Their study connects this power source with small experimental electronic devices.

Research rather than an available medical product

Bioresorbable batteries for transient ingestible bioelectronics was published on 21 September 2026 in Nature Chemical Engineering. Nature Portfolio’s announcement the following day confirms that these are preclinical experiments, including tests in pigs.

A power source designed to degrade

The team uses a magnesium–molybdenum trioxide battery on a paper substrate and reports a peak open-circuit voltage of 1.84 volts. This figure describes an electrical characteristic; it establishes neither treatment efficacy nor universal safety.

Figure 2 from the study by Say and colleagues: battery photographs, diagrams and experimental results from a study in pigs. This composite figure does not show a device validated for human use.
Figure 2 from the study by Say and colleagues: battery photographs, diagrams and experimental results from a study in pigs. This composite figure does not show a device validated for human use. Say et al. — Nature Chemical Engineering (2026), Fig. 2 · Presentation adapted · CC BY 4.0

Functions tested under controlled conditions

Experiments include a radio tag intended to track ingestion and a capsule for gastric stimulation. The researchers also examine battery retention in the stomach for three days. These observations provide a feasibility demonstration limited to the study protocol.

Not all the electronics disappear yet

The stimulation circuit is not entirely biodegradable. Animal sample sizes are limited and long-term safety requires further study. Our analysis: controlling degradation matters as much as supplying energy; the device must function throughout its useful lifetime.

Conclusion: a step towards temporary devices

The battery addresses a technical obstacle for ingestible electronics. It does not yet validate clinical use in humans. Progress will depend on broader assessments of safety, reproducibility and the complete device.