DSruptive Subdermals, a Jewish startup that specializes in implantable microelectronics has finalized a world-first study in the use of chip implants to track body temperature.
The study sought to measure the feasibility of subcutaneous implants for measuring human body temperature. The result of the study reveals that digital implants were able to measure temperature with superior accuracy to standard clinical devices.
The implants measure temperature with an intra-device variability similar to clinical thermometers. Additionally, the study concludes that the device implantation was safe, however causes little discomfort without adverse effect during the time of use. This is the first completed study of its kind to showing results that injectable implants can be a reliable, affordable, and robust form of health logging for clinical settings and personal use.
Based on the demonstrated viability of the implants as a platform for temperature measurement, DSruptive is now offering its implants as an open platform for researchers around the world who are looking for robust and cost-efficient tools to monitor temperature changes remotely.
The aim of this platform is to enable research and development in the healthcare space which drives innovation and results in better tracking that improves health and saves lives.
As regards the use of implants for temperature measurement, DSruptive offers its implants as an open platform for researchers globally to access its cost-efficient and robust tools to monitor changes in temperature remotely. The platform aims to allow research and development in the healthcare sector to influence innovation and lead to better tracking to enhance health and save lives.
The study was conducted with a small injectable cylindrical capsule implant made from biocompatible glass with an electronics inlay having a temperature sensor and NFC antenna. It cannot transmit any information on its own because it is passive. To activate the implant, a smartphone is swiped over it to make it read temperature which transfers it to a smartphone device and cloud data.
The managing director of DSruptive, Hannes Sjoblad said: It is exciting to bring the result of the research to the world the first time such implants have been studied appropriately in a clinical environment. The results show that passive subdermal implants have potentials in the paradigm shift towards personalized health and remote monitoring in health care. We also aim to contribute to the fight against COVID-19 and any pandemic in the future. In this regard, we will make our platform available for researchers in the niche willing to use implants for remote monitoring fluctuations in temperature in humans. There is the possible use of the device for saving time for front-line medical staff and for improving health over a long period of time. “
Daniel Andersson, head investigator, MD, and associate professor in Physiology at Karolinska University Hospital added: “The data from this study is really promising and opens up the possibility of deploying temperature monitoring via digital implants in a wide range of physiological and clinical applications. For example, we are currently experiencing the worst medical emergency in a century. With digital implants, we could potentially track outbreaks of COVID-19 or other transmissible infectious diseases more rapidly – with huge benefits for our health, our economies, and our societies.”
The study was conducted in collaboration with researchers at Karolinska University Hospital in Stockholm and Karolina Institute and approved by the Swedish Ethical Review Authority.
