The constant miniaturization of electronics opens up exciting possibilities when it comes to what we can put into our bodies to monitor and improve our health. Engineers at Columbia University have introduced an extreme version of this technology. They have developed the smallest single-chip system ever, which would be able to measure the temperature in the body with a hypodermic needle and perhaps much more.

From implants the size of a ladybug, which measure the level of oxygen in the body tissues. tracked down to tiny sensors that monitor neurological signals in real time, scientists are taking big steps in the development of tiny electronic devices. Created by Columbia engineers, the implant, as the world’s smallest single-chip system, opens a new path, a fully functional electronic circuit packed into a volume of less than 0.1 mm3.

It is the size of a dust mite and can only be seen under a microscope. Making a tiny chip did not require everyday thinking, especially in terms of communication and power supply. The team eventually built a piezoelectric converter that acts as an “antenna” for wireless power supply and communication via ultrasound.

This is a real-time temperature sensor combined with a built-in low-power temperature sensor. it converts into a probe, allowing the observation of body temperature and temperature fluctuations controlled by the therapeutic application of ultrasound. The capabilities of the implant have been demonstrated in live mice, where it was used for ultrasound neurostimulation, and up to seven pieces were implanted in mice at a time by intramuscular injection.

Scientists are preparing to implant this type of chip into the human body. wirelessly, ultrasound communicates information about what is being measured. In its current form, it is limited to measuring body temperature, but other options include blood pressure, glucose levels, and respiratory function.

“We wanted to see how long we could push the boundaries of how small, functional we can make a chip, ”says study leader Ken Shepard. “It’s a new concept of ‘chip as a system’, it’s a chip that, on its own, is nothing but a complete, working electronic system. This tiny thing can be revolutionary in the development of wireless, miniaturized, implantable medical devices that can sense different things. , can be used in clinical applications and finally approved for human use, “added the researcher.

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