ΤThe e-pill can either diagnose a problem in the body and then transmit the relevant information wirelessly, or carry drugs into the body, or both, depending on the instructions given by the operator (doctor or same patient) via smartphone.
The capsule, which is produced by a XNUMXD printer and remains in the stomach for at least a month (before it breaks into smaller pieces and is excreted through the digestive tract), can be used for the medical treatment of various diseases, especially those that require long-term medication. It is also possible to diagnose infections, allergies and other disorders and then release a drug (antibiotic, antihistamine, etc.).
The researchers, led by Robert Langer of MIT University and published in the journal Advanced Materials Technologies, said the capsule could communicate wirelessly with other medical devices that the patient was either wearing or implanted. in him.
The technology of electronic sensors and swallowed pills is a constantly evolving field internationally. The new capsule contains sections of soft and hard polymeric materials, in which drugs can be stored, which are gradually released over time, following the instructions given via the Bluetooth connection.
It also contains sensors that constantly monitor the gastric environment, temperature and other data, which immediately send wirelessly to the mobile phone. The limited connection via Bluetooth (and not via Wi-Fi) was made intentionally, in order to increase the cyber-security of the device in the user's space and to prevent the interception of the signal with the medical information about the patient.
The device is powered by a small battery, but alternative energy sources are already being explored, such as a tiny external antenna or even stomach acids. The capsule has been tested on pigs and humans are expected to start testing it in about two years. Researchers have already set up a company to develop new medical technology in patients.
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