Narrow Results

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a prevalent gastrointestinal condition affecting a significant portion of the global population. While GERD rarely leads to death, untreated cases can result in serious complications, including esophageal ulcers, bleeding, strictures, and Barrett’s esophagus, which increases the risk of esophageal cancer. Severe cases may require surgical intervention, costing between $8000 and $12,000. For patients with milder symptoms, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are often prescribed as a cost-effective treatment, averaging $163 per month, or $1500 to $2000 annually. However, PPIs are often misused, and their effectiveness is limited, reducing only about 65% of stomach acid. Misuse can lead to adverse effects, such as low stomach acid, indigestion, gas, diarrhea, constipation, and long-term risks like kidney disease, dementia, bone fractures, and cardiovascular disorders. Therefore, a more controlled approach to treatment is needed, utilizing drug delivery devices that minimize human error and comply with FDA and other regulatory standards to ensure patient safety. This paper explores recent advancements in GERD diagnosis and management, highlighting the potential of a patented device titled “A Swallowable Medical Device” that could revolutionize GERD treatment. This paper compares traditional diagnostic methods, such as endoscopy, pH monitoring, and esophageal manometry, with modern approaches like impedance-pH monitoring and high-resolution manometry. These advanced technologies allow healthcare providers to tailor treatment strategies to individual patient needs, enabling more accurate and comprehensive assessments. Additionally, a comparison with other patented devices is provided to facilitate understanding. The aim of this analysis is to offer insights into current practices, innovations, and the efficacy of the proposed “Swallowable Medical Device”. This information is made available globally to encourage further research and development in the field of GERD treatment.

We implemented an ion-sensitive field effect transistor (ISFET) array chip comprising n-ISFET and p-ISFET for sensor application using 0.18$\mu$m CMOS technology. N-channel metal-oxide semiconductor (NMOS) and P-channel metal-oxide semiconductor (PMOS) ISFETs are fabricated in regular dimensions ($<$8$\mu$m) compatible with the standard CMOS process. We implemented n-ISFET cells and p-ISFET cells of different dimensions for characterization and to observe the possible effect of scalability. Each cell also has two identical NMOS and PMOS ISFETs of standard dimension, unlike very large dimensions ($>$200$\mu$m). We are using metals 1–6 and via together on the gate area to make it an extended or floating gate for the electrochemical sensing of ISFET. These metals are electrically floating with an intermediate dielectric. These different-size floating gate ISFETs provide different sensing areas, and the passivation Si₃N₄ layer is used for pH sensing without any extra post-processing measures. We observe the ISFET sensitivity and performance with the 0.18$\mu$m technology submicron effect. The measured results propose ISFET as a promising sensor device for portable applications. The ISFET chip dimension is 1179$\mu$m × 1185$\mu$m.

In this work, ZnO nanorods (ZnO NRs) were successfully synthesized on FTO-glass via hydrothermal technique. Two steps were followed to grow ZnO NRs. In the first step, the seed layer of ZnO nanocrystals was deposited by using a drop cast method. The second step was represented by the hydrothermal growth of ZnO NRs on a pre-coated FTO- glass with the seed layer. The hydrothermal growth was conducted at 90^∘C for 2h. The resulted structure, morphology and optical properties of the produced layers were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) equipped with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) and UV-visible spectrophotometer, respectively. The analysis confirmed that the ZnO NRs grown by the hydrothermal method have a hexagonal crystal structure which was grown randomly on the FTO surface. The crystallite size was recorded 50nm and a slight microstrain (0.142%) was calculated. The bandgap was found to be in the range of 3.14–3.17eV. The ZnO NRs have a high density and large aspect ratio. A pH sensor with high sensitivity was fabricated using a two-electrode cell configuration. The ZnO NRs sensor showed the sensitivity of $-$59.03mV/pH, which is quite promising and close to the theoretical value ($-$59.12mV/pH).

We describe a simple and effective approach to the introduction of a functional group into polymer nanofilms on the solid surface using reactive Langmuir–Blodgett films. N-Dodecylacrylamide copolymers containing a terminal amino group in the side chains as a reactive moiety form a stable monolayer on a water surface, and the monolayer was transferred onto a solid support with a transfer ratio of unity. The LB films were characterized by various spectroscopic methods. The reactivity of the terminal amino group incorporated in the LB films was investigated in detail using fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) as a fluorescent probe. The chemical reaction between the amino group in the LB films and FITC in the bulk solution was completed within approximately 30 min and the chemical bond formation was confirmed by FT-IR spectroscopy. Furthermore, the ability as a pH sensor was observed with fluorescent microscopy.

The pH sensor of an extended gate field effect transistor (EGFET) with gallium nitride/silicon hybrid nanostructure is fabricated and analyzed. Si nanowires (NWs) are fabricated via the Ag-assisted electroless etching technique and are then covered by GaN NWs through plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD). The GaN nanostructure is synthesized by introducing gallium oxide (Ga₂O₃) and nitrogen (N₂) for the growth of NWs. The GaN nanowires supply a larger surface area than that of the pristine Si NWs, where there is a better sensitivity for pH sensor. The GaN/Silicon hybrid sensors exhibit a sensitivity higher (50.4mV/pH) than that of pristine Si NWs sensors (41.2mV/pH). This GaN/Si hybrid pH sensor prepared by simple and low-cost method may be potentially applied for cheap biosensor devices.

Willow, a common tree species, is mainly distributed in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Catkins are the seeds of willow. In addition to propagating new willows, it is of great significance to study its application in other areas. Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) have attracted extensive attention owing to their excellent luminescence properties, low toxicity and water solubility. The use of CQDs for accurate measurement of pH is of great significance in environmental, medical and other fields. Based on this, blue-emission fluorescent CQDs with 4.93% quantum yield (Q.Y.) are prepared via natural product catkins as the only raw material by one-step hydrothermal method. The prepared CQDs exhibit excellent water solubility, narrow particle size distribution, excitation-dependent photoluminescence properties and sensitive pH response behavior. The fluorescence intensity of CQDs has a good linear relationship with pH in the range of 6–12, and the correlation coefficient is 0.994. In addition, the CQDs have good stability, and the response to pH displays excellent reversibility, which can be developed as a pH sensor to quantitatively monitor the pH values in real water samples. Thereby, the potential practical application is promising.

We describe a simple and effective approach to the introduction of a functional group into polymer nanofilms on the solid surface using reactive Langmuir–Blodgett films. N-Dodecylacrylamide copolymers containing a terminal amino group in the side chains as a reactive moiety form a stable monolayer on a water surface, and the monolayer was transferred onto a solid support with a transfer ratio of unity. The LB films were characterized by various spectroscopic methods. The reactivity of the terminal amino group incorporated in the LB films was investigated in detail using fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) as a fluorescent probe. The chemical reaction between the amino group in the LB films and FITC in the bulk solution was completed within approximately 30 min and the chemical bond formation was confirmed by FT-IR spectroscopy. Furthermore, the ability as a pH sensor was observed with fluorescent microscopy.