Gold nanoparticle ‘tattoo’ may bring reality of implantable sensors one step closer

Researchers have described a novel platform, based on photostable gold nanoparticles implanted under the skin, that is able to continuously monitor and transmit information regarding factors such as drug concentrations in the body, for a period of up to several months. The technology has the potential to extend the lifetime of implanted sensors. Until now, the idea of implantable biosensors – which could have numerous medical and diagnostic applications, such as for monitoring drug concentration changes in the body – has been limited in translation due to factors such as implant rejection and the need to replace the implants relatively...