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ETH Zurich scientists develop wireless implant to lower blood sugar
Scientists from ETH Zurich have developed an experimental, wirelessly powered implant designed to manage diabetes and obesity without the use of insulin or other medications. The device uses an electrically powered catalyst to convert excess glucose in the bloodstream into gluconate, a lower-energy metabolite that the kidneys can naturally excrete.
In animal trials involving overweight mice with diabetes, the system successfully normalized blood sugar levels within one hour. The implant operates as a closed-loop system, utilizing continuous glucose monitoring and a wireless power supply, potentially via smartphone, to automate metabolic control.
The technology employs gold nanoclusters coated with platinum particles on porous graphite felt as a catalyst. This electrochemical reaction is driven by a wireless frequency of 13.56 megahertz. Beyond glucose regulation, the system also promoted the use of stored fat in test subjects, offering a potential dual approach to treating comorbid diabetes and obesity.
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- [● 2 SOURCES] The system uses gold nanoclusters coated with platinum particles on porous graphite felt as a catalyst. www.kurierverlag.de · www.merkur.de
- [● 3 SOURCES] The implant uses an electrically powered catalyst to convert excess glucose into gluconate. www.biotechniques.com · www.kurierverlag.de · www.merkur.de
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The implant promoted the use of stored fat in diabetic mouse models. www.biotechniques.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] In mouse models, the implant normalized blood sugar levels within one hour. www.kurierverlag.de · www.merkur.de
- [● 3 SOURCES] Gluconate is a lower-energy metabolite that is excreted through the kidneys. www.biotechniques.com · www.kurierverlag.de · www.merkur.de
- [● 2 SOURCES] The device is wirelessly powered at a frequency of 13.56 megahertz. www.kurierverlag.de · www.merkur.de