Thermo-electric generator, associated implantable device and method

Method for generating an electric potential difference, comprising steps of:

• providing a thermo-electric generator comprising at least two electrodes, each electrode having a first end and a second end, the first ends being electrically connected to each other, the generator being configured to generate an electric potential difference between the two second ends when a temperature difference is imposed between each first end and the second end of the same electrode, the temperature difference being such that one end called “hot end” among the first end and the second end of each electrode has a temperature strictly greater than the temperature of the other end, called “cold end”, among the first end and the second end of the same electrode, the hot end of at least one electrode comprising at least one element selected from the group formed by a microorganism and an enzyme, the thermo-electric generator further comprising a block in contact with the hot end of at least one electrode, the block comprising a matrix, the matrix being formed in particular of a polymer material, the element being in the form of particles encapsulated in the matrix,
• immersing the thermo-electric generator in a fluid comprising at least one first chemical species,
• implementing, by the element, at least one exothermic reaction involving the first chemical species,
• onset of a temperature difference between the hot end and the cold end of the electrode comprising the element, and
• onset of an electric potential difference between the two second ends.