Indian Scientist Wins $3 Million Fellowship for Innovative Implants

Dr. Arathyram Ramachandra Kurup Sasikala, a biomedical engineer originally from Kerala, India, has been awarded a prestigious $3 million UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship. This funding will support her groundbreaking research on battery-free medical implants that generate electricity from the body’s own movement. Conducted at the University of Bradford, this four-year project has the potential to revolutionize medical devices, making them more sustainable and efficient.

Revolutionizing Medical Devices

Dr. Ramachandra’s research focuses on an emerging field known as Piezoelectroceutics. This innovative area combines piezoelectric materials—substances that generate electricity when subjected to mechanical stress—with therapeutic applications. By integrating these materials into bone implants, her team aims to harness the natural movements of the human body to generate electrical energy. This energy could stimulate bone healing and tissue regeneration, thereby reducing the need for bulky batteries and invasive wiring.

One of the most promising applications of this technology is in pacemakers, which currently rely on batteries that typically last between 5 to 10 years. Dr. Ramachandra’s approach could enable these devices to be powered by the heart’s own movements, significantly extending their lifespan without the need for surgical replacements. The implications for other medical devices, such as cochlear implants and bone stimulators, are equally groundbreaking, paving the way for safer and more sustainable healthcare solutions.

A Personal Journey of Inspiration

Dr. Ramachandra grew up in a modest village in Kerala, and she expressed her gratitude for this achievement on social media, stating, “Coming from a middle-class family in a small village in Kerala, India, this moment feels truly surreal.” Her success is a testament to her dedication and the support of her family, whom she credits for her accomplishments.

The UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship is among the most competitive research grants available in the UK, reinforcing the University of Bradford‘s status as a leading institution in the field of Piezoelectroceutics. Dr. Ramachandra plans to establish a dedicated Piezoelectricity Research Cluster at the university, collaborating with PhD students, research fellows, and clinical partners. This initiative aims to translate laboratory research into practical healthcare applications.

The project will involve partnerships with esteemed institutions such as the University of Cambridge, University of Leeds, and UC San Diego, alongside industry collaborators like Summit Medical Ltd. Professor Anant Paradkar, the Director of the Institute of Health and Social Care, remarked that piezoelectric biomaterials represent “a paradigm shift,” capable of facilitating healing and powering medical devices in unprecedented ways.

Professor Sherif El-Khamisy, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation, described the fellowship as a landmark achievement for the university. He emphasized its significance in fostering innovation, supporting the National Health Service (NHS), and creating opportunities for women in science.

Dr. Ramachandra’s work signifies a major advance in regenerative medicine, merging sustainability with cutting-edge scientific innovation. If successful, her research could transform the future of medical implants, reducing the frequency of surgeries and associated costs while paving the way for more environmentally friendly healthcare solutions.

As the project progresses, the potential to turn the human body into a self-sustaining power source could redefine our understanding of implants and regenerative medicine, marking an exciting new chapter in the quest for smart, sustainable healthcare.