Bioengineers have developed an implantable device for diabetics

A team of bioengineers from ETH Zurich has developed a new implantable molecular device consisting of two modules: a sensor that constantly measures the pH of the blood and a feedback mechanism that produces the required amount of insulin.

These modules consist of biological components: various genes and proteins, and are included in cultured kidney cells. The researchers then embedded millions of these specialized cells into capsules that could be implanted into the body.

The pH sensor, one of the main parts of the new device, measures the precise acidity of the blood and responds sensitively to minor deviations from the ideal pH value. If the pH drops below 7.35, the sensor transmits a signal to trigger insulin production. Once the blood pH returns to the ideal range, the sensor is turned off and the reprogrammed cells stop producing insulin.

The researchers have already tested their invention on mice with type 1 diabetes. The results look promising: mice with implanted capsules receive an amount of insulin according to acid measurements. Blood levels of the hormone were comparable to those of healthy mice, which regulate their insulin levels naturally. As stated by Dr. Martin Fussenegger (Martin Fussenegger), scientists are now developing a prototype of a new device for humans.

Source: nauka24news.ru/