Effective weight control via an implanted self-powered vagus nerve stimulation device

Guang Yao, Lei Kang, Jun Li, Yin Long, Hao Wei, Carolina A. Ferreira, Justin J. Jeffery, Yuan Lin, Weibo Cai () and Xudong Wang ()
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Guang Yao: University of Wisconsin-Madison
Lei Kang: University of Wisconsin-Madison
Jun Li: University of Wisconsin-Madison
Yin Long: University of Wisconsin-Madison
Hao Wei: University of Wisconsin-Madison
Carolina A. Ferreira: University of Wisconsin-Madison
Justin J. Jeffery: University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center
Yuan Lin: University of Electronic Science and Technology of China
Weibo Cai: University of Wisconsin-Madison
Xudong Wang: University of Wisconsin-Madison

Nature Communications, 2018, vol. 9, issue 1, 1-10

Abstract: Abstract In vivo vagus nerve stimulation holds great promise in regulating food intake for obesity treatment. Here we present an implanted vagus nerve stimulation system that is battery-free and spontaneously responsive to stomach movement. The vagus nerve stimulation system comprises a flexible and biocompatible nanogenerator that is attached on the surface of stomach. It generates biphasic electric pulses in responsive to the peristalsis of stomach. The electric signals generated by this device can stimulate the vagal afferent fibers to reduce food intake and achieve weight control. This strategy is successfully demonstrated on rat models. Within 100 days, the average body weight is controlled at 350 g, 38% less than the control groups. This work correlates nerve stimulation with targeted organ functionality through a smart, self-responsive system, and demonstrated highly effective weight control. This work also provides a concept in therapeutic technology using artificial nerve signal generated from coordinated body activities.

Date: 2018
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-07764-z

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