Digestible Microchips-Innovation

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the first ingestible sensor. The Ingestion Event Marker (IEM), by Proteus Health, represents a new category of medical device: It is made entirely of ingredients found in food and is activated on ingestion.

The sensor resembles a grain of sand in size, is made primarily of silicon, and can be integrated into an inert pill or any other ingestible object (such as a pharmaceutical). 

A disposable patch is worn on the body to capture and relay the body's physiological response and behaviors. In addition to recording information from the sensor, the patch records heart rate, temperature, activity, and rest patterns. The patch lasts approximately 7 days and is operated by a battery, which also lasts approximately 7 days.

A mobile device is then carried in the pocket or purse to display data in context and support care.

The sensor can be used to detect the exact time medication is taken, as well as the unique identity of the medication. The information is controlled by the patient.

The IEM does not contain a battery. Instead, the fluids in the stomach power the sensor, and the body transmits the digital signal generated by the sensor. The IEM is the only ingestible sensor that is powered by the body. The sensor passes through the body similar to fiber.

You can read the full article at this link
  http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/768665