A research team at Tufts University Biomedical Engineering Department have extended RFID (radiofrequency ID) technology to a smaller package that can read and transmit information on its environment – whether that be a tooth, skin, or a different surface. The sensors range from 4mm by 4mm to 2mm by 2mm, which can be mounted onto a tooth for the purpose of tracking and monitoring what we eat. Currently, the sensor can monitor salt, glucose, and alcohol intake which the sensor then communicates wirelessly to a mobile device that tracks the data.
The mechanism consists of three layers with a central biosensor layer that reacts to certain chemicals. The complete unit forms a RFID antenna so that when RF signals are transmitted to the device, some of the signals are absorbed by the antenna while the rest reflect back.
