Edible Chips
Computer Technology has redefined the world that we live in today. From cell phones to medical technology, computer technology improves our lives in a more efficient way and takes much of the hassle out of doing everyday things. A biomedical company has created a system to embed tiny computers and sensors into drugs and link them to a cell phone or the internet in a bid to make the monitoring of drug efficacy foolproof. With this technology patients can monitor their medicine usage easily with the help of chips.
The California based company Proteus has created an edible computer designed to mark a new way of monitoring patient drug intake. The process involves two pieces of technology: a small chip containing sensors and a small patch worn by the patient. The chip is attached to a pill, swallowed by the patient, and then activated once it enters the patient’s stomach. Once activated the chip sends signals to the patch. The patch can track data like heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, and body angle. This data is then automatically uploaded via Bluetooth to an online repository and given a timestamp. Doctors can use this data to monitor whether a patient is correctly taking his or her medication or the effects of the medication from the convenience of their cell phones or personal computer. This product, named Raisin, is currently i Proteus' product consists of two parts: an ingestible sensor chip and an external band-aid-like patch. The chips are just 1mm square and 200 microns thick and are attached to pills with bio-compatible glue. (Ganapati) When swallowed the chips send a signal to the patch. The patch has accelerometers and amplifiers to track heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature and body angle to determine if the patient is lying down or standing up.
