An implantable remote-powered optoelectronic device for in vivo spectral analysis and biochemical tests
Nicolau DV., Livingston P., Jahshan D., Evans R.
The non-invasive or minimally invasive real-time spectral analysis of tissue and biological fluids in vivo would be of great assistance for diagnosis and monitoring of a wide range of diseases. We propose here a novel microdevice capable of determining the reflectance spectrum of a sample using a set of micrometer-sized light emitting diodes and a patch of photosensitive material. The purported device would be wireless and remote-powered via RF magnetic fields and due to its dimensions would be suitable as a long-term implant, for example for monitoring glucose levels in diabetics. We present a design for this device, discuss its limitations and suggest some applications, including its use for in vivo biochemical assays.