Implantable gold sensor can help monitor vital values, drug effectiveness

Scientists at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz have developed an implantable sensor based on color-stable gold nanoparticles. The sensor can be operated in the body for several months. 

Embedded into an artificial polymeric tissue, the nanogold is implanted under the skin and it changes its color to report information on vital values and concentrations of substances or drugs.

Up till now, implantable sensors have not been suitable to remain in the body permanently because either the body rejects them or because the sensor’s color is unstable and fades over time.