Are James Bond-type alcohol monitoring microchips the next wave of monitoring technologies? Scientists at the University of California San Diego seem to think so. These engineering researchers are hoping that an injectable microchip that monitors drinking will help treatment programs improve outcomes.<\/p>\n
In April, engineers at the UC San Diego announced the development of a miniature biosensor<\/a> designed to be implanted beneath the skin to monitor alcohol consumption in humans. The injectable chip measures one cubic millimeter and is powered by a wearable device, like a smartwatch. It works when alcohol interacts with an enzyme coating, which then generates a byproduct that can be electrochemically detected. These electrical signals are transmitted wirelessly, indicating the presence of alcohol.<\/p>\n \u201cThe ultimate goal of this work is to develop a routine, unobtrusive alcohol and drug monitoring device for patients in substance abuse treatment programs,\u201d said Drew Hall, an electrical engineering professor at the UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering and the leader of the project. \u201cA tiny injectable sensor\u2014that can be administered in a clinic without surgery\u2014could make it easier for patients to follow a prescribed course of monitoring for extended periods of time,\u201d Hall said during the technology\u2019s announcement.<\/p>\n For decades, alcohol monitoring technology has been designed primarily for community corrections to ensure offenders convicted of alcohol-related crimes remain sober. However, in recent years, there\u2019s been increasing interest in developing monitoring for treatment and even personal use.<\/p>\n For example, in 2016, the UC San Diego team announced the development of a disposable temporary \u201ctattoo\u201d<\/a> that is worn on the skin and collects blood-alcohol readings from the wearer\u2019s sweat. The downside to this technology is that it\u2019s single-use and easily removable with just one pull. Other types of monitoring technology, more akin to fitness bands, help wearers track their alcohol consumption via a wrist-worn monitor<\/a>. These devices are lower-profile and less expensive compared to more commercial-grade alcohol testing, making them\u00a0more\u00a0practical for personal use, such as helping people track their alcohol consumption during a night out with friends.<\/p>\n However, these devices still rely on the wearer to remember to use them, and in a treatment setting wearers may be tempted to tamper with them to cover up a drinking relapse. An injectable alcohol monitoring chip could address those concerns.<\/p>\n While the work of the UC San Diego team is compelling, the chip has only been tested in vitro<\/em> and many stages of testing and possible legal hurdles\u2014likely lasting years\u2014will be required before it can advance to general use.\u00a0Moreover, critics question how many people will agree to have a microchip injected into their bodies. Given a choice between a wearable device or a microchip that is implanted under your skin, which would you choose?<\/p>\nThe New Frontier of Personal\u00a0Alcohol Monitoring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n