A tiny, biocompatible wireless chip that quells infection, then vanishes. Consisting of a drug-
A tiny, biocompatible wireless chip that quells infection, then vanishes. Consisting of a drug-laden silk substrate and a heating element, this chip developed at Tufts university poses a future solution to the risk of post-surgical infection. The idea is that just before closing a wound, the chip can be implanted and sealed in to do its work. Over the course of its existence, the chip reaches temperatures high enough to kill bacteria in the area whilst releasing drugs suited to purpose. At the end of its controllable lifespan, the chip can actually be reabsorbed by the body and destroyed. No need to fish it back out again! So far, it has shown promise in vanquishing Staphylococcus aureus infections in mouse models for its application; its simplicity and cheap fabrication make it promising for human use in the near future. Read the full article here on PNAS. -- source link
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