System packaging & integration for a swallowable capsule using a direct access sensor (original) (raw)
A swallowable diagnostic capsule with a direct access sensor using Anisotropic Conductive Adhesive
2011 International Reliability Physics Symposium, 2011
in biomedical microsystems are opening up new opportunities to improve healthcare procedures. Swallowable diagnostic sensing capsules are an example of this. In this paper, a novel direct access sensor (DAS) has been demonstrated which uses Flip Chip (FC) technology to expose the sensor to the liquid medium. An electrochemical study showed that the Anisotropic Conductive Adhesive (ACA) joint provides good connection and does not impair the sensor functionality. The reliability test results showed that most of the samples survived the humidity aging test and that only 2 out of 9 ACA connections of the same electrode failed. For the failed samples, the failure analysis showed that the tensile stress at the chip/epoxy interface caused a delamination at this interface.
Gastrointestinal Targeted Sampling and Sensing via Embedded Packaging of Integrated Capsule System
Journal of Microelectromechanical Systems, 2019
Here, we introduce a wireless platform developed to leverage biochemical characteristics of various gastrointestinal (GI) secretions to selectively dissolve pH-sensitive polymers used as coatings over a 3-D printed biocompatible capsule, allowing fluid entry into sensing chambers containing capacitive sensors. Ingestible capsule technology is increasing prevalence in autonomously accessing regions of GI that otherwise require clinical intervention. Our platform is operated using a 3.3-V power source with sensors, possessing a 0.3-220-pF dynamic range with a sensitivity of 3.2 ¢ 10 3 pF/mV that relay the change in capacitance to a smart system-in-package, which is then transmitted via Bluetooth low energy to an external Android phone. The system is tested with a variety of polymers, which are used in the pharmaceutical industry, to control dissolution at different GI regions characteristic of a specific pH profile. This real-time, cost-effective, and user-friendly platform will ultimately be used to test alternative coating materials that respond to specific biomarkers present in GI secretions, offering significant potential for enhancing gut diagnostics. [2018-0249]
P2.1.22 The ubiquitous technology for prototype and disposable bio-chemical sensors packaging
Proceedings Imcs 2012, 2012
A new packaging process for silicon-based chemical sensor arrays has been develop using semiconductor, thick film, and flip-chip technologies. Passive sensors are fabricated on silicon in a semiconductor process compatible with the incorporation of on-chip electronics. Sensor-specific polymer membranes are screen-printed directly onto individual electrode sites. Substrates with flow channels are made from glass using semiconductor process technology. Sensor chips are mounted onto the substrate using a flip-chip approach in which the fluid channels are sealed with a polymer gasket. Electrical contacts between the chip and substrate are made through conductive epoxy bumps. Conductors are brought out to the edge of the substrate; where they are accessible to the next level of system interconnect through a standard board-edge connector.
Ingestible electronics for diagnostics and therapy
Nature Reviews Materials, 2018
The gastrointestinal (GI) tract offers the opportunity to detect physiological and pathophysiological signals from the human body. Ingestible electronics can gain close proximity to major organs through the GI tract and therefore can serve as clinical tools for diagnostics and therapy. In this Review , we summarize the physiological and anatomical characteristics of the GI tract, which present both challenges and opportunities for the development of ingestible devices. We describe recent breakthroughs in materials science, electrical engineering and data science that have permitted the exploration of technologies for sensing and therapy via the GI tract. Novel sensing opportunities include electrochemical, electromagnetic, optical and acoustic protocols, which have the capacity to sense luminal or extra-luminal analytes in the GI tract. We review therapeutic interventions, such as anatomical targeting for drug delivery , delivery of macromolecules and electrical signals. Finally , we investigate major challenges associated with ingestible electronics, including safety , communication, powering, steering and tissue interactions. Ingestible electronics are an exciting area of scientific innovation and they may pave the way for a new era in medicine, enabling patients to receive remote, electronically assisted health care.
ACS Sensors, 2020
Ingestible electronic systems that are capable of embedded sensing, particularly within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and its accessory organs, have the potential to screen for diseases that are difficult if not impossible to detect at an early stage using other means. Furthermore, these devices have the potential to (1) reduce labor and facility costs for a variety of procedures, (2) promote research for discovering new biomarker targets for associated pathologies, (3) promote the development of autonomous or semiautonomous diagnostic aids for consumers, and (4) provide a foundation for epithelially targeted therapeutic interventions. These technological advances have the potential to make disease surveillance and treatment far more effective for a variety of conditions, allowing patients to lead longer and more productive lives. This review will examine the conventional techniques, as well as ingestible sensors and sensing systems that are currently under development for use in disease screening and diagnosis for GI disorders. Design considerations, fabrication, and applications will be discussed.
A human pilot trial of ingestible electronic capsules capable of sensing different gases in the gut
Nature Electronics, 2018
Ingestible sensors are potentially a powerful tool for monitoring human health. Sensors have been developed that can, for example, provide pH and pressure readings or monitor medication, but capsules that can provide key information about the chemical composition of the gut are still not available. Here we report a human pilot trial of an ingestible electronic capsule that can sense oxygen, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide. The capsule uses a combination of thermal conductivity and semiconducting sensors, and their selectivity and sensitivity to different gases is controlled by adjusting the heating elements of the sensors. Gas profiles of the subjects were obtained while modulating gut microbial fermentative activities by altering their intake of dietary fibre. Ultrasound imaging confirmed that the oxygen-equivalent concentration profile could be used as an accurate marker for the location of the capsule. In a crossover study, variations of fibre intake were found to be associated with differing small intestinal and colonic transit times, and gut fermentation. Regional fermentation patterns could be defined via hydrogen gas profiles. Our gas capsule offers an accurate and safe tool for monitoring the effects of diet of individuals, and has the potential to be used as a diagnostic tool for the gut.
Advanced Devices & Instrumentation, 2021
Real-time monitoring of the gastrointestinal tract in a safe and comfortable manner is valuable for the diagnosis and therapy of many diseases. Within this realm, our review captures the trends in ingestible capsule systems with a focus on hardware and software technologies used for capsule endoscopy and remote patient monitoring. We introduce the structure and functions of the gastrointestinal tract, and the FDA guidelines for ingestible wireless telemetric medical devices. We survey the advanced features incorporated in ingestible capsule systems, such as microrobotics, closed-loop feedback, physiological sensing, nerve stimulation, sampling and delivery, panoramic imaging with adaptive frame rates, and rapid reading software. Examples of experimental and commercialized capsule systems are presented with descriptions of their sensors, devices, and circuits for gastrointestinal health monitoring. We also show the recent research in biocompatible materials and batteries, edible elec...
A Self-Orienting Single-Chip Ingestible Pill for Electrochemical Sensing in the GI Tract
IEEE BIOCAS, 2024
This paper presents a self-orienting ingestible pill that integrates a custom chip and an electrochemical pH sensor. The chip, fabricated using the TSMC 180nm CMOS process, integrates an analog front end (AFE) for 3-electrode electrochemical sensors, a closed-loop voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO)based analog-to-digital converter (ADC), a radio frequency (RF) transmitter (TX) with an off-chip loop antenna, clock and control logic, and a power management unit (PMU). The 1μ W, chopper-stabilized AFE can measure sensor currents in the ±29μ A range and achieves a minimum detectable current of 150 pA. The 1.2μ W, time-based ADC achieves a 9.6-bit ENOB with a 100ms conversion time. The TX operates in the 402−405MHz Medical Implant Communication System (MICS) band, utilizing either On-Off Keying (OOK) or Frequency Shift Keying (FSK) modulation, with an average power of as little as 32μ W. The chip and fabricated pH sensor are integrated onto a flexible polyimide printed circuit board (PCB) and encapsulated in a custom 3Dprinted self-orienting shell (∅6.2 mm×17 mm) that ensures the sensor consistently faces the gastrointestinal (GI) wall for more reliable measurements.
ACS sensors, 2017
Ingestible sensing capsules are fast emerging as a critical technology that has the ability to greatly impact health, nutrition, and clinical areas. These ingestible devices are noninvasive and hence are very attractive for customers. With widespread access to smart phones connected to the Internet, the data produced by this technology can be readily seen and reviewed online, and accessed by both users and physicians. The outputs provide invaluable information to reveal the state of gut health and disorders as well as the impact of food, medical supplements, and environmental changes on the gastrointestinal tract. One unique feature of such ingestible sensors is that their passage through the gut lumen gives them access to each individual organ of the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, ingestible sensors offer the ability to gather images and monitor luminal fluid and the contents of each gut segment including electrolytes, enzymes, metabolites, hormones, and the microbial communiti...