Enhanced ingestible event indicators and methods for making and using the same

Abstract

Improved ingestible event markers are provided. Aspects of the markers may include the presence of a matrix layer that includes a binder and source of an electron acceptor. Alternatively or in addition to the matrix layer, aspects of the markers may include a large surface area electrode having a surface area that exceeds the surface area of the circuitry of the marker. Aspects further include methods of making and using the ingestible event markers.

1 . An ingestible event marker comprising:
 a support;   circuitry associated with the support;   an anode material electrically coupled to the circuitry and associated with the support; and   a cathode material electrically coupled to the circuitry, wherein the cathode material is associated with the support and is electrically isolated from the first material; and   a matrix layer associated with a surface of the cathode material, wherein the matrix layer comprises a binder and an electron acceptor source.   
     
     
         2 . The ingestible event marker according to  claim 1 , wherein the binder comprises a polymer. 
     
     
         3 . The ingestible event marker according to  claim 2 , wherein the polymer is a polysaccharide. 
     
     
         4 . The ingestible event marker according to  claim 1 , wherein the electron acceptors source is an acidulant that is present in the matrix layer. 
     
     
         5 . The ingestible event marker according to  claim 4 , wherein the acidulant is selected from the group consisting of alginic acid, tartaric acid, malic acid and citric acid. 
     
     
         6 . The ingestible event marker according to  claim 1 , wherein the matrix layer further comprises a surfactant. 
     
     
         7 . The ingestible event marker according to  claim 1 , wherein the matrix layer further comprises a conductivity enhancer. 
     
     
         8 . The ingestible event marker according to  claim 7 , wherein the conductivity enhancer comprises conductive particles. 
     
     
         9 . The ingestible event marker according to  claim 7 , wherein the conductivity enhancer is a salt. 
     
     
         10 . The ingestible event marker according to  claim 1 , wherein the anode material comprises a metal. 
     
     
         11 . The ingestible event marker according to  claim 10 , wherein the metal is selected from the group consisting of magnesium, zinc, sodium, lithium and iron and alloys thereof. 
     
     
         12 . The ingestible event marker according to  claim 1 , wherein the cathode material is copper-free. 
     
     
         13 . The ingestible event marker according to  claim 12 , wherein the cathode material comprises a material selected from the group consisting of gold, platinum and graphite. 
     
     
         14 . The ingestible event marker according to  claim 1 , wherein the ingestible event marker further comprises a signal amplifier. 
     
     
         15 . The ingestible event marker according to  claim 1 , wherein the ingestible event marker further comprises an active agent. 
     
     
         16 . The ingestible event marker according to  claim 1 , wherein the ingestible event marker further comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 
     
     
         17 . The ingestible event marker according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the cathode and anode is a large surface area electrode. 
     
     
         18 . A system comprising:
 an ingestible event marker comprising:
 a support; 
 circuitry associated with the support; 
 an anode material electrically coupled to the circuitry and associated with the support; and 
 a cathode material electrically coupled to the circuitry, wherein the cathode material is associated with the support and is electrically isolated from the first material; and 
 a matrix layer associated with a surface of the cathode material, wherein the matrix layer comprises a binder and an electron acceptor; and 
   a receiver configured to receive a communication associated with the ingestible event marker.   
     
     
         19 . A method comprising combining an ingestible event marker having a cathode material and a matrix layer comprising a binder and an electron acceptor in a manner such that the matrix layer is associated with a surface of the cathode material. 
     
     
         20 . The method according to  claim 19 , wherein the method comprises one or more protocols selected from the group consisting of laminating, pressing, stamping, extruding, molding, gluing and coating. 
     
     
         21 - 65 . (canceled)