Overview
- The study, published in Nature Communications, describes a zinc–cellulose radio-frequency antenna paired with a tiny off-the-shelf chip to signal ingestion.
- In animal testing, the system confirmed swallowing within about 10 minutes and could be detected by an external receiver at distances up to roughly two feet.
- Most components biodegrade in the stomach within days to a week, while the approximately 400×400 micrometer chip passes through the digestive tract.
- The antenna is rolled into standard gelatin capsules and temporarily shielded by a cellulose layer with molybdenum or tungsten that blocks RF until the coating dissolves.
- The team envisions pairing capsules with a wearable receiver for clinician monitoring and is conducting additional preclinical work ahead of planned human testing.