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Blueprint of a Biosensor
In the future, biosensors will be used to help physicians and patients monitor hormones, drugs or toxins in the body. Here is a blueprint of how researchers envision the biosensors will function.
July 2005
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Genetically modified bioluminescent (able to produce light) cells are implanted into a patient’s body. This cell colony establishes a nourishing vascular supply and begins to luminesce (glow) in response to the presence of substances such as hormones, drugs or toxins circulating in the blood.
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A light sensor/data transmitter is implanted into the body adjacent to the established bioluminescent cell colony. This light sensor records the amount of light emanating from the cells.
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A wrist receiver/data display then activates the implanted transmitter, captures its data and displays the concentration of substances in circulation throughout the body. Insulin is shown here as an example.
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