Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have devised biodegradable “smart pills” capable of verifying medication ingestion. According to the investigators, after completing its function, the capsule fully dissolves in the body in about a week. This innovation aims to address the issue of poor treatment adherence, which results in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of patients yearly.
The electronic capsules created were named SAFARI. They visually resemble standard pills but contain miniature electronics. After swallowing, the shell made of cellulose and metallic particles gradually breaks down under the influence of gastric juices. Within a few hours, the device activates and begins transmitting a radio signal, logging medication intake to an external receiver.
MIT reports that the antenna and other elements of the capsule are constructed from degradable substances, including zinc. All parts dissolve in the digestive tract in roughly seven days and do not accumulate within the body. The small radio chip is eliminated naturally.
The technology’s efficacy was tested in experiments on pigs. The researchers observed consistent signal transmission and confirmed the complete disintegration of the capsules. Analyses demonstrated that the temporary increase in metal levels in the blood did not surpass safe thresholds.
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