Engineers have developed a smart capsule called PillTrek that can measure pH, temperature, and a variety of different biomarkers. It incorporates simple, inexpensive sensors into a miniature wireless electrochemical workstation that relies on low-power electronics. PillTrek measures 7 mm in diameter and 25 mm in length, making it smaller than commercially available capsule cameras used for endoscopy but capable of executing a range of electrochemical measurements.
PillTrek was used in a study to measure pH and temperature as well as changing levels of glucose and the neurotransmitter serotonin in animal models. It has the ability to measure metabolites, ions, and hormones such as serotonin and dopamine, and possibly even proteins as well — all within the gut, which is a complex environment.
The electrochemical workstation within the capsule is reconfigurable. A variety of different sensors could easily be swapped into place to enable measurements of different parameters in the gut. The team previously developed a technique for 3D printing inexpensive sensors on sheets of plastic substrate. That technique can be used to mass produce the sensors for PillTrek. The team is exploring wireless power transfer and smaller electronics that would make the device even smaller and lower power. (Image credit: Jihong Min and Wei Gao/CalTech)
For more information, visit here .
