Ingestible sensors
One of the keys to a healthy life, is nutrition. But what exactly constitutes ‘healthy’ food for a specific person? To answer that question, you need to measure and analyze the processes inside the complex human digestive system. Imec is working on technology that is up to that task.
Towards an inside view of our diet
Digestive processes are hard to examine. Almost all known methods involve a prolonged endoscopy, which is uncomfortable for the patient and only allows for a relatively short-term observation in one specific place of the stomach.
That’s why ingestible sensors will benefit patients as well as doctors. Imec is developing technology that will complement existing pill cameras by measuring the mechanical, chemical and electrical processes in the gut.
Imec's research for ingestible sensors fits into the exploration of data-controlled food and health – one of the objectives of the OnePlanet Research Center.
2025 press release: Imec presents prototype of ingestible sensor for gut health monitoring
All-in-one ingestible sensor
Imec is working on technology that will enable an ingestible sensor that’s small enough to swallow, yet packed with technology: sensors, signal processing and power management.
Once in the digestive system, the ingestibles could, in real time, sense and transmit:
- mechanical movements of the gastro-intestinal tract
- electrical stimuli that govern the muscle contractions
- chemical processes, involving hormones and enzymes, that break down the food
That data could then be transmitted to a wearable device.
This requires fundamental innovations:
- miniature electro-chemical sensors that provide high specificity in a challenging environment
- ultra-low-power miniature interfaces and signal processing electronics, co-designed with the sensors
- volume-constrained wireless power and data communication technology, crucial to enable truly ingestible sensors
- bio-compatible thin and safe packaging
Diagnostic and preventive uses
By fixating the ingestible imec sensors along the gastrointestinal tract, the data they collect could be used to precisely diagnose digestive disorders with typically vague complaints: indigestion, gastrointestinal hypermotility and dysmotility, etcetera.
But preventive applications are also possible. Perhaps one day people will regularly take an ingestible sensor with their meal. Not much later, their smartphone will give them a detailed overview of the nutrients, such as fibers, that their body actually absorbed – along with some advice on how to balance their diet.
Want to work with us on these exciting possibilities?
Watch the movie
Publications
Van Helleputte et al. "Miniaturized Electronic Circuit Design Challenges for Ingestible Devices", Journal of Microelectromechanical Systems, (2020)
External linkWork with us
Are you looking to accelerate your development of ingestible sensors?
Imec not only helps you to address technological challenges. Thanks to our thorough knowledge of the health and pharma sector, we function as your full-fledged strategic partner – right down to venturing support.
Click the button below to get in touch.
Read more
Imec and NeuroGyn present PosStim™ – a breakthrough neurostimulator for pelvic nerve disorders
A functional prototype for next-gen pelvic nerve stimulation, developed by NeuroGyn and imec, is ready and can soon be used for first-in-human trials.
Read more
Technology for active implantable devices
Imec powers the future of bioelectronic medicine with ultra-small, adaptive implants that will unlock new possibilities for therapy and diagnosis.
Read more
Imec presents prototype of ingestible sensor for gut health monitoring
In-human measurements demonstrate promise for the sensor in clinical trials
Read more