Highly reliable ingestible event markers and methods for using the same

Abstract

Ingestible event markers having high reliability are provided. Aspects of the ingestible event markers include a support, a control circuit, a first electrochemical material, a second electrochemical material and a membrane. In addition, the ingestible event markers may include one or more components that impart high reliability to the ingestible event marker. Further, the ingestible event markers may include an active agent. In some aspects, the active agent, such as a pharmaceutically active agent or a diagnostic agent may be associated with the membrane.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . An ingestible composition comprising:
 an ingestible component configured to transmit a signal after having been ingested;   an edible adhesive contacting one side of the ingestible component, wherein the edible adhesive comprises:
 a cellulose ether, 
 a tackifier, and 
 a plasticizer; and 
   a highly-swellable polymeric film configured to swell without disintegrating upon contact with an aqueous medium.   
     
     
         22 . The ingestible composition according to  claim 21 , wherein the cellulose ether is an hydroxypropyl cellulose. 
     
     
         23 . The ingestible composition according to  claims 21 , wherein the tackifier is a povidone. 
     
     
         24 . The ingestible composition according to  claims 21 , wherein the plasticizer is glycerin. 
     
     
         25 . The ingestible composition according to  claim 21 , wherein the edible adhesive consists of hydroxypropyl cellulose, povidone and glycerin. 
     
     
         26 . The ingestible composition according to  claim 21 , wherein the highly-swellable polymeric film is configured to swell to absorb 90% or more w/w of aqueous medium content upon contact with the aqueous medium. 
     
     
         27 . The ingestible composition according to  claim 21 , wherein the highly-swellable polymeric film comprises a hydrogel coating. 
     
     
         28 . The ingestible composition according to  claim 27 , wherein the hydrogel coating comprises a polyethylene oxide polymer, or an acetate polymer. 
     
     
         29 . The ingestible composition according to  claim 27 , wherein the hydrogel coating is configured to control an environment of the aqueous medium surrounding the ingestible composition as the swellable polymeric film expands. 
     
     
         30 . The ingestible composition according to  claim 29 , wherein the highly-swellable polymeric film further comprises a salt configured to control a pH level of the environment of the aqueous medium surrounding the ingestible composition. 
     
     
         31 . The ingestible composition according to  claim 21 , wherein the ingestible component is an ingestible event indicator that comprises:
 a support;   circuitry associated with the support;   a first material electrically coupled to the circuitry and associated with the support; and   a second material electrically coupled to the circuitry, wherein the second material is associated with the support and is electrically isolated from the first material;   wherein the first and second materials are selected to provide a voltage potential difference when in contact with a conducting fluid.   
     
     
         32 . The ingestible composition according to  claim 31 , wherein the highly-swellable polymeric film covers at least a portion of one of the first material or second material. 
     
     
         33 . The ingestible composition according to  claim 32 , wherein the highly-swellable polymeric film covers at least a portion of both the first material and the second material. 
     
     
         34 . The ingestible composition of  claim 21 , wherein the edible adhesive further comprises an alginate. 
     
     
         35 . The ingestible composition of  claim 21 , further comprising a pH sensitive coating. 
     
     
         36 . The ingestible composition of  claim 35 , further comprising a pharmaceutically active agent, and wherein the pH sensitive coating is configured to modulate release of the pharmaceutically active agent upon contact with the aqueous medium.