RFID Antenna for In-Body Device

Abstract

RFID antennas for ingestible devices, such as ingestible event markers, are provided. Aspects of the ingestible devices of the invention include RFID signal transmission antennas with a battery that is activated upon being exposed to fluid in the body. Embodiments of the RFID antennas are configured to emit a detectable signal upon contact with a target physiological site. Also provided are methods of making and using the devices of the invention.

1 . An ingestible event marker comprising an identifier that emits a signal when activated at a target site, wherein said identifier comprises a signal generation element comprising a RFID antenna. 
     
     
         2 . The ingestible event marker according to  claim 1 , wherein said identifier is activated upon contact with fluid at said target site. 
     
     
         3 . The ingestible event marker according to  claim 2 , wherein said target fluid is stomach fluid. 
     
     
         4 . The ingestible event marker according to  claim 1 , wherein said identifier comprises a power source. 
     
     
         5 . The ingestible event marker according to  claim 4 , wherein said power source comprises a battery. 
     
     
         6 . The ingestible event marker according to  claim 4 , wherein said power source comprises a Galvanic cell. 
     
     
         7 . The ingestible event marker according to  claim 1 , wherein an input signal to said RFID antenna is provided by a reader. 
     
     
         8 . The ingestible event marker according to  claim 1 , wherein an input signal to said RFID antenna is provided by a battery. 
     
     
         9 . The ingestible event marker according to  claim 1 , wherein said identifier has a limited lifespan. 
     
     
         10 . The ingestible event marker according to  claim 1 , wherein said RFID antenna is configured to conform to ingestible pill dimensions. 
     
     
         11 . The ingestible event marker according to  claim 1 , wherein said RFID antenna has a first configuration prior to ingestion and a second configuration after ingestion. 
     
     
         12 . The ingestible event marker according to  claim 11 , wherein said RFID antenna unfolds after ingestion. 
     
     
         13 . The ingestible event marker according to  claim 11 , wherein said RFID antenna has a greater effective area in said second configuration than in said first configuration. 
     
     
         14 . The ingestible event marker according to  claim 1 , wherein said identifier comprises an integrated circuit. 
     
     
         15 . The ingestible event marker according to  claim 1 , further comprising an active agent stably associated with said signal generation element. 
     
     
         16 . A system comprising:
 (a) an ingestible event marker comprising an identifier that emits a signal when activated at a target site, wherein said identifier comprises a signal generation element comprising a RFID antenna; and   (b) a receiver for detecting a signal produced by said signal generation element.   
     
     
         17 . The system according to  claim 16 , wherein said receiver is an in vivo receiver. 
     
     
         18 . The system according  claim 16 , wherein said receiver is an ex vivo receiver. 
     
     
         19 . A method comprising: administering to a subject an ingestible event marker comprising an identifier that emits a signal when activated at a target site, wherein said identifier comprises a signal generation element comprising a RFID antenna. 
     
     
         20 . A kit comprising: at least one ingestible event marker comprising an identifier that emits a signal when activated at a target site, wherein said identifier comprises a signal generation element comprising a RFID antenna. 
     
     
         21 . The kit according to  claim 20 , wherein said kit comprises a plurality of said ingestible event markers. 
     
     
         22 . The kit according to  claim 20 , wherein said kit further comprises a receiver. 
     
     
         23 . An in-body device comprising a RFID antenna. 
     
     
         24 . The in-body device according to  claim 23 , wherein said in-body device is an ingestible device. 
     
     
         25 . The in-body device according to  claim 23 , wherein said in-body device is an implantable device.