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Possible Roles of Enzymes in Development of a Fuel Cell Power Source for the Cardiac Pacemaker

  • Chapter
Biomedical Applications of Immobilized Enzymes and Proteins

Abstract

Many types of “permanent” pacemaker devices and techniques have evolved since successful clinical application was first reported (Senning, 1959; Chardack et al.,1960; Zoll et al.,1961). These efforts have had an enormous impact upon the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias; however, they also have brought a host of new problems for the management of patients receiving pacers (Grendahl et al.,1969; Goldstein et al., 1970; Barold, 1973). Among the problems is that of providing a suitable power source for long-term trouble-free pacemaker function. This chapter will be devoted largely to discussion of one type of device potentially capable of solving this problem, namely, the biofuel or, more specifically, bioautofuel cell. Particular emphasis will be given to the role that enzyme catalysts might play. The term “bioautofuel cell” refers to a biofuel cell which can be implanted in the host and which then relies on the host for the delivery of fuel and the removal of wastes. Such an implantable fuel cell may incorporate enzymes to catalyze one or more of the reactions or to produce the fuel. A general introduction to cardiac pacing and a brief description of alternate power sources is included to place the enzyme-containing systems in perspective.

The Heart ... moves of itself and does not stop unless for ever.

Leonardo da Vinci

Dell’Anatonia, ca. 1489 a.d.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pa., 15213, USA

    Sidney K. Wolfson Jr. & Shang J. Yao

  2. University of Pittsburgh Schools of Medicine and Engineering, Pittsburgh, Pa., USA

    Lemuel B. Wingard Jr.

  3. University of Pittsburgh School of Engineering, Pittsburgh, Pa., 15261, USA

    Chung C. Liu

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  1. Sidney K. Wolfson Jr.
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  2. Lemuel B. Wingard Jr.
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  3. Chung C. Liu
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  4. Shang J. Yao
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  1. Medical Research Council of Canada, Artificial Organs Research Unit, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada

    Thomas Ming Swi Chang M.D., PH.D., F.R.C.P.(C) (Professor of Physiology, Professor of Medicine, Associate, Director) (Professor of Physiology, Professor of Medicine, Associate, Director)

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Wolfson, S.K., Wingard, L.B., Liu, C.C., Yao, S.J. (1977). Possible Roles of Enzymes in Development of a Fuel Cell Power Source for the Cardiac Pacemaker. In: Chang, T.M.S. (eds) Biomedical Applications of Immobilized Enzymes and Proteins. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4684-2610-6_24

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4684-2610-6_24

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