# 144. Implantable Chip To Cure Diabetes

- Show: [The Next Byte Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast)
- Published: 2023-10-17
- Length: 20m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2023-10-17-144-implantable-chip-to-cure-diabetes
- Listen: https://the-next-byte-wevolver.simplecast.com/episodes/144-implantable-chip-to-cure-diabetes-qCyCSsa6

## Summary

Hosts Daniel and Forbode discuss an MIT team's development of a tiny, implantable device designed to cure type one diabetes by replacing damaged islet cells with living human cells that produce insulin. The device utilizes a proton exchange membrane to extract oxygen from body water vapor, powered by wireless charging via resonant inductive coupling, effectively creating a self-sustaining artificial organ. The hosts analyze the engineering challenges, such as immune rejection and oxygen supply, and speculate on future miniaturization and hybrid power sources using glucose metabolism.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2023-10-17-144-implantable-chip-to-cure-diabetes#t=0) Introduction: The Problem with Current Diabetes Management
- [3:13](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2023-10-17-144-implantable-chip-to-cure-diabetes#t=193) Historical Approaches: Cadaver Cells, Stem Cells, and Immunosuppression
- [7:44](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2023-10-17-144-implantable-chip-to-cure-diabetes#t=464) The MIT Solution: Implantable Device with Living Islet Cells
- [10:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2023-10-17-144-implantable-chip-to-cure-diabetes#t=606) Powering the Device: Hydrogen Fuel Cells and Wireless Charging
- [12:36](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2023-10-17-144-implantable-chip-to-cure-diabetes#t=756) Future Innovations: Miniaturization and Glucose-Powered Systems

## Topics

- [Medical & health devices](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/medical-devices)
- [Batteries & low-power design](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/batteries-and-low-power)
- [Prototyping & iteration](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/prototyping)

## Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

## Mentioned

- MIT (company)
- ETH Zurich (company)
- Apple Watch (product)

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## Citing this page

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