Wireless in-body sensing through genetically engineered bacteria

TL;DR

This paper presents a wireless implantable sensor using genetically modified bacteria to detect molecules in the body without batteries or circuits.

Contribution

The novel approach uses engineered bacteria to control a microwave antenna for wireless molecular sensing in-body.

Findings

A wireless link was demonstrated at 25 mm implant depth in a human body phantom.

Cellular activity was converted into detectable electromagnetic signals via backscatter communication.

The method eliminates the need for batteries or electronic circuits in the implant.

Abstract

This paper introduces a class of wireless implantable sensors that integrate genetically engineered cells capable of detecting specific molecules for continuous monitoring. While synthetic biology enables cells to sense molecular targets, wireless communication of this information remains a challenge. Electromagnetic (EM) waves at cellular-scale wavelengths are strongly attenuated in tissue, necessitating centimeter-scale wavelengths for in-body links. Aligning cellular responses with these longer EM wavelengths enables effective interaction. In this work, the response of Escherichia coli is harnessed to trigger the controlled degradation of a passive microwave antenna, which is then monitored via backscatter communication. This approach converts cellular activity into detectable EM signals, eliminating the need for batteries or circuits. We demonstrate a wireless link between a passive, cell-based sensor in a human body phantom and an external receiver, achieving molecular-level sensing at 25 mm implant depth. Future implementations could couple bacterial responses to diverse molecular targets.

Wireless in-body sensing can enable health monitoring and preventive healthcare. Here the authors genetically modified bacteria and show an implantable sensor that senses at a molecular level eliminating the need for batteries and circuits.

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