UC San Diego researchers have developed a battery-free biosensor system in
An inward-facing sensor that operates onbiofuels, facilitates access to studies of the small intestine. This simplifies glucose monitoring and ensures continuous results. These measurements are an important component of tracking the general condition of the gastrointestinal tract, an important factor in the study of nutrition, the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases, and the prevention of obesity, the authors of the development note.
The structure of a smart tablet for monitoring the intestines. Image: Ernesto De la Paz et al., Nature Communications
The biosensor is an integrateda circuit that consists of a biosensor that collects data, an autonomous energy collection system and a wireless transmitter that transmits data. The smart pill prototype is 2.6 cm long and 0.9 cm in diameter. Researchers only tested it in pigs, which have a gastrointestinal tract the same size as humans.
The development was made possible thanks to the glucose biofuel cell, which uses internal resources to work, the researchers note.
The device uses the glucose present inintestines, as a biofuel for nutrition. Making it all work with ultra-low power electronics and a stable but small glucose biofuel cell was a major technical challenge that we tackled.
Patrick Mercier, professor of electrical and computer engineering at the University of California and study co-author
Old methods of direct observation of the internalpart of the small intestine can cause significant discomfort to patients, generating only a few short data records of an ever-changing environment. Instead, this biosensor provides access to continuous readings of data over time, the scientists say. They believe that the new device will simplify the study of the small intestine, the study of its microbiome and the treatment of diseases.
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Cover image: David Ballot for the Jacobs School of Engineering, UC San Diego