Wireless Power Transfer for Autonomous Wearable Neurotransmitter Sensors

Sensors (Basel). 2015 Sep 23;15(9):24553-72. doi: 10.3390/s150924553.

Abstract

In this paper, we report a power management system for autonomous and real-time monitoring of the neurotransmitter L-glutamate (L-Glu). A low-power, low-noise, and high-gain recording module was designed to acquire signal from an implantable flexible L-Glu sensor fabricated by micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS)-based processes. The wearable recording module was wirelessly powered through inductive coupling transmitter antennas. Lateral and angular misalignments of the receiver antennas were resolved by using a multi-transmitter antenna configuration. The effective coverage, over which the recording module functioned properly, was improved with the use of in-phase transmitter antennas. Experimental results showed that the recording system was capable of operating continuously at distances of 4 cm, 7 cm and 10 cm. The wireless power management system reduced the weight of the recording module, eliminated human intervention and enabled animal experimentation for extended durations.

Keywords: L-glutamate sensors; multi-transmitter antenna; neurotransmitter sensor recorder; wireless power transmission.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biosensing Techniques / instrumentation*
  • Computer Simulation
  • Electricity
  • Electrodes
  • Glutamic Acid / analysis
  • Neurotransmitter Agents / analysis*
  • Rats
  • Wireless Technology / instrumentation*

Substances

  • Neurotransmitter Agents
  • Glutamic Acid