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In this study, a compact dual-band multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) implantable antenna system is proposed for cortical visual prostheses (CVP) devices. The antenna has dimensions of $7\times 7\times 0.3$ mm3, which is the smallest size in the literature with dual-band characteristics, operating at industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) bands of 915 and 2450 MHz. To achieve a high data rate, the proposed antenna employs MIMO technology comprising two probe-fed elements with the same ground plane and an edge-to-edge separation of 0.4 mm. This configuration with an integrated inductor minimizes multipath distortion and enables smooth communication with high data rates, as demonstrated by conducted MIMO channel studies and link budget analysis. Ex vivo measurements of S-parameters, gain, and radiation patterns are performed on the antenna-integrated CVP device in a saline-filled head phantom. The antenna exhibits a measured -10-dB bandwidth of 16.3% and 8.7% with high isolation of 31 and 29 dB, alongside directional radiation patterns that feature a peak realized gain of -30.47 and -24.71 dBi at 915 and 2450 MHz, respectively. Moreover, the system exhibits satisfactory MIMO characteristics with an envelope correlation coefficient (ECC) of less than 0.1, diversity gains (DGs) greater than 9.95 dB, and a channel capacity (CC) of 9.97 b/s/Hz at an SNR of 20 dB. Specific absorption rate (SAR) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compatibility analysis are conducted to ensure the system’s safety. Owing to its excellent performance, the proposed MIMO antenna system emerges as a promising candidate for compact CVP applications, offering high-data-rate communication capabilities.

Compact implantable medical devices (IMDs) require miniaturized and multiband antennas to efficiently navigate space limitations and diverse frequency demands in biomedical applications. This article proposes an ultra-miniaturized implantable antenna featuring the smallest footprint with a volume of 0.7 mm3 and exhibits quad-band characteristics: telemetry at 915 MHz, wireless power transfer at midfield bands of 1450 and 1900 MHz, and control signaling at 2450 MHz. Extensive simulation analyses were conducted for the antenna alone and integrated antenna systems to realize the versatility of the proposed antenna. For validation, measurements were performed in saline-filled realistic head and American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTMs) phantoms. Good agreement between the simulation and measured results was observed. The antenna showed stable performance in all scenarios with a measured −10 dB bandwidth of 136, 122, 108, and 134 MHz at 915, 1450, 1900, and 2450 MHz, respectively. Moreover, the antenna exhibited satisfactory measured gain values of −27.45, −23.25, −23.14, and −22.48 dBi at the respective frequency bands. Finally, the implementation of the wireless biotelemetry feature of the proposed antenna system was achieved and demonstrated through the utilization of a pair of software-defined radios (SDRs). Sustainable and stable wireless data transmission characteristics were shown at transmission distances of up to 2.5 m. With its remarkable features, the proposed antenna addresses the critical need for efficient communication in the Industrial Internet of Medical Things (IIoMT) devices, enabling telemetry, wireless power transfer, and control signaling in biomedical applications with limited space and diverse frequency demands.

Remote patient monitoring can improve healthcare outcomes by enabling patients to receive continuous care at home. However, a reliable and convenient means of wireless communication and power transfer is needed to drive implantable biomedical devices. In this study, a complete wireless power transfer (WPT) system and data transmission for remote patient health monitoring is proposed, comprising an implantable receiver (Rx) antenna, an efficient rectifier integrated with the Rx, and a transmitter (Tx) antenna. The implantable Rx antenna has small footprints with dimensions $\pi \times 5^{2}\,\,\times0.75$ (58.9 mm3) and exhibits dual-band characteristics: 915 and 2450 MHz for simultaneous wireless power reception and data transmission, respectively. The rectifier of a similar size to the antenna was optimized to operate at 915 MHz with an RF–dc conversion efficiency of 82%. The individual components of the WPT system were simulated, optimized, fabricated, and measured for scattering parameters and gain in a saline-filled 3-D head phantom and minced pork. The implantable antenna and rectifier were then integrated to form a compact rectenna system. A demonstration is performed in the realistic scenario to determine the power reception capability of the proposed implantable rectenna system. For safety purposes, specific absorption rate (SAR) and temperature analysis were conducted and found to be within acceptable limits. Finally, to verify the reliability of the communication link with an external unit, the received power was measured, and the implantable Rx element was found to be capable of effectively communicating over distances of up to 2 m. Our results suggest that this technology has the potential to greatly improve the adoption and effectiveness of remote patient health monitoring, by providing a convenient and reliable means of wireless communication and power transfer.

This article for the “Bioelectromagnetics” column takes a deep dive into the field of wireless implants and ingestibles, with a focus on antenna design. The review discusses recent advances in implantable/ingestible antenna design, provides a protocol for the successful design of such antennas, and concludes with an overview of the wide range of real-world applications that may benefit from this research area.

The graphene oxide (GO)-based membranes have demonstrated exceptional potential in effectively rejecting and separating various contaminants from aqueous solutions. The abundant availability of oxygenated functional groups and the high surface area of GO make it an ideal choice for synthesizing composite membranes used in water purification. This review critically examines recent advancements in the synthesis of GO-based membranes and their applications in water treatment, specifically focusing on the removal of hazardous dyes, pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), toxic heavy metal ions, as well as the separation of oil/water (O/W) emulsions. The rejection and separation mechanisms of these contaminants and pollutants are also discussed. The desalination potential, stability performance and applications of GO membranes in treating real wastewater are meticulously assessed. Furthermore, the review highlights the potential toxic environmental impacts of GO-based materials. The key technological challenges are identified and the roadmap, comprising prospects and recommendations for future research is provided. This review article will be beneficial for researchers and professionals in the field of water treatment and material science and engineering.