BASEL, Switzerland — Scientists at ETH Zurich have developed a groundbreaking, USB-sized electronic implant that directly removes excess glucose from the bloodstream, offering a novel approach to managing diabetes and obesity without relying on insulin or traditional medications.
Published in Science, the study introduces a wireless electrocatalytic system that continuously monitors blood sugar levels. When glucose rises above a safe threshold, the device automatically activates an electrocatalytic reaction, using low-voltage electrical energy to convert excess blood sugar into gluconate. The converted gluconate is then safely filtered by the kidneys and excreted through urine, effectively discarding excess calories from the body.
In animal trials involving diabetic and obese mice, the closed-loop system successfully prevented blood sugar spikes and aided in weight reduction. Unlike conventional treatments that direct the body to process sugar, this direct bioelectronic approach physically removes excess glucose.
Lead researcher Professor Martin Fussenegger noted that taking direct control of glucose via electronics marks a major shift from drug-based therapy. Following further preclinical safety tests and regulatory approvals, researchers aim to advance the device to human clinical trials.
