Introduction

Edible electronics is a new field who purpose is to create electronic devices that are safely edible, which can perform a specific task before or after ingestion. Applications of this electronic branch are envisioned in food quality monitoring (e.g., through food labels/tags) or smart electronics pills. A new class of electrical conductors designed explicitly for being edible in large amounts has been developed. These can substitute traditional electrodes currently in use, which are bulky and built of inorganic, non-degradable materials which may be poisonous to humans, animals and the environment (if not collected and disposed accordingly) alike.

Technical features

The inventors propose a new class of edible conductors in the form of a paste, which can be shaped on request, produced without the use of solvents, low-cost, and are compatible with many thermoplastic polymer-manufacturing techniques; making their production easily up-scalable. These electrodes consist of oleogel composites made with biodegradable and food-grade materials like waxes, oils, and activated carbon. The pastes are tuneable electromechanically and, depending on their composition can adhere on a variety of surfaces. Furthermore, the electrodes are stable underwater and in high humidity environments, making them suitable for ingestion, and, for example, monitoring within the gastrointestinal tract.

Possible Applications

• Food monitoring;
• Smart pills;
• Green Electronics;
• Drug Delivery and smart drugs.

Advantages

• Natural and Sustainable Materials Employed;
• Straightforward and Green Manufacturing Compatible with Polymer Industry;
• Electrical Stability in Air and Underwater.