Wearable Thermoelectric Generators for In Vivo Modulation of Insulin Release

ABSTRACT Bioelectronic medicine has provided innovative approaches to regulate cellular function, but a major limitation of most bioelectronic therapies is their dependence on external power sources such as batteries. Wearable thermoelectric generators with the ability to harvest sustainable energy from body heat represent a promising solution. Here, we present a device, called “integrated grid of generators imparting thermoelectric energy” (IGNITE), that enables wearable, sustainable, self‐powered modulation of insulin secretion via bioelectric stimulation of engineered human cells. The IGNITE system continuously harvests body heat and converts it into a controlled electrical output to drive insulin release. The wearable system consists of an 8 × 8 series generator array composed of P‐type (Sb 2 Te 3 @PEDOT:PSS) and N‐type (Bi 2 Te 3 @TCNQ) materials, which efficiently generates and amplifies electrical energy to produce a stable 4.2 V output through an integrated voltage regulation circuit. A 60 s electrical stimulation induces reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐mediated activation of engineered mammalian cells, leading to insulin production in a controlled and reproducible manner. In a proof‐of‐concept experiment in type 1 diabetic mice, the system achieved glycemic regulation without any external power source. This device lays the foundation for next‐generation bioelectronic therapies by integrating sustainable bioenergy energy harvesting, nanotechnology, and cellular engineering for endocrine modulation.