ENHANCED INGESTIBLE EVENT INDICATORS AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND USING THE SAME
Improved ingestible event markers are provided. Aspects of the markers may include the presence of a matrix layer that includes a binder and source of an electron acceptor. Alternatively or in addition to the matrix layer, aspects of the markers may include a large surface area electrode having a surface area that exceeds the surface area of the circuitry of the marker. Aspects further include methods of making and using the ingestible event markers.
1 . An ingestible event marker comprising:
a support;
circuitry associated with the support;
an anode material electrically coupled to the circuitry and associated with the support; and
a cathode material electrically coupled to the circuitry, wherein the cathode material is associated with the support and is electrically isolated from the first material; and
a matrix layer associated with a surface of the cathode material, wherein the matrix layer comprises a binder and an electron acceptor source.
2 . The ingestible event marker according to claim 1 , wherein the binder comprises a polymer.
3 . The ingestible event marker according to claim 2 , wherein the polymer is a polysaccharide.
4 . The ingestible event marker according to claim 1 , wherein the electron acceptors source is an acidulant that is present in the matrix layer.
5 . The ingestible event marker according to claim 4 , wherein the acidulant is selected from the group consisting of alginic acid, tartaric acid, malic acid and citric acid.
6 . The ingestible event marker according to claim 1 , wherein the matrix layer further comprises a surfactant.
7 . The ingestible event marker according to claim 1 , wherein the matrix layer further comprises a conductivity enhancer.
8 . The ingestible event marker according to claim 7 , wherein the conductivity enhancer comprises conductive particles.
9 . The ingestible event marker according to claim 7 , wherein the conductivity enhancer is a salt.
10 . The ingestible event marker according to claim 1 , wherein the anode material comprises a metal.
11 . The ingestible event marker according to claim 10 , wherein the metal is selected from the group consisting of magnesium, zinc, sodium, lithium and iron and alloys thereof.
12 . The ingestible event marker according to claim 1 , wherein the cathode material is copper-free.
13 . The ingestible event marker according to claim 12 , wherein the cathode material comprises a material selected from the group consisting of gold, platinum and graphite.
14 . The ingestible event marker according to claim 1 , wherein the ingestible event marker further comprises a signal amplifier.
15 . The ingestible event marker according to claim 1 , wherein the ingestible event marker further comprises an active agent.
16 . The ingestible event marker according to claim 1 , wherein the ingestible event marker further comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
17 . The ingestible event marker according to claim 1 , wherein at least one of the cathode and anode is a large surface area electrode.
18 . A system comprising:
an ingestible event marker comprising:
a support;
circuitry associated with the support;
an anode material electrically coupled to the circuitry and associated with the support; and
a cathode material electrically coupled to the circuitry, wherein the cathode material is associated with the support and is electrically isolated from the first material; and
a matrix layer associated with a surface of the cathode material, wherein the matrix layer comprises a binder and an electron acceptor; and
a receiver configured to receive a communication associated with the ingestible event marker.
19 . A method comprising combining an ingestible event marker having a cathode material and a matrix layer comprising a binder and an electron acceptor in a manner such that the matrix layer is associated with a surface of the cathode material.
20 . The method according to claim 19 , wherein the method comprises one or more protocols selected from the group consisting of laminating, pressing, stamping, extruding, molding, gluing and coating.
21 - 65 . (canceled)