WO2024042548A1

WO2024042548A1 - A diagnostic system comprising an edible electronic device

Info

Publication number: WO2024042548A1
Application number: PCT/IN2023/050799
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sanjiv Sambandan; Atanu Mohanty; Vivekanand Upadhye; Cheppalli Venkata Sai Praneeth; Ashutosh RANA
Original assignee: Indian Institute Of Science
Priority date: 2022-08-24
Filing date: 2023-08-24
Publication date: 2024-02-29

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a diagnostic system (100) comprising an edible electronic device (101) and an external transceiver (201). The edible electronic device (101) relays a sinusoidal signal from a field coil (203) to a pick-up coil (204) of the external transceiver (201) when it is in proximity of the external transceiver (201). This sinusoidal signal is distorted by a sensor output from a sensor (104) of the edible electronic device (101 ). The degree of distortion is proportional to the sensor output which is proportional to the amount of the analyte sensed by the sensor (104). The degree of distortion is measured to determine an analyte value. All components of the edible electronic device (101) are built using edible materials. The edible electronic device (101) is therefore safely digested and eliminated by the patient. The edible electronic device is safe to use without an expert medical intervention.

Description

A DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM COMPRISING AN EDIBLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present disclosure generally relates to electronic devices. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to edible/digestible compositions that work as an electronic device inside a patient’s body for detection/diagnosis of one or more parameters and are digested/eliminated from the patient’s body after certain time. BACKGROUND [0002] Electronic devices are used extensively to provide medications or perform medical procedures to patients. Medical procedures are of two types - non-invasive procedures and invasive procedures. The invasive procedure involves insertion of a medical device into the body of the patient. Examples include endoscopy, biopsy, and the like. The non-invasive procedure involves placing a medical device on the skin of the patient. Examples include wearable devices such as devices for measurements of temperature, pulse, pressure. [0003] Several medical conditions result in a change in analyte concentrations inside the body. Examples of such conditions and corresponding analyte are acidity causing variation in H⁺ ions and read by pH measurements, viral loads, bleeding, infections observed by analysis of stool samples, and the like. With regards to the diagnosis of such medical conditions, invasive procedure has several advantages such as reliability, increased accuracy, and timely detection. The invasive procedures have the advantage of increased accuracy, since analyte concentrations are much larger inside the body of the patient. The disadvantage of the invasive procedures is that the invasive procedures are not easy to perform and need a medical expert to conduct them. On the other hand, the non-invasive procedures have several advantages such as ease of use and can be unsupervised. A process that does not require supervision saves the precious resource of medical professionals. However, the non-invasive procedure cannot be used to accurately diagnose medical conditions that show up as variations in analyte concentrations inside the body. Hence, there is a requirement for an invasive procedure which is both easy and safe to use without medical supervision, while at the same time being timely and reliable due to it being invasive. [0004] With focus on the gastro-intestinal tract, the present disclosure provides a digestible electronic device that contains sensors and electronics built of materials that are safe to consume (well below toxicity limits) thereby making the device edible and/or digestible. The digestible electronic device, when swallowed by the patient, senses clinically important parameters and relays that information to the outside world wirelessly after which it is safely digested and eliminated from the patient’s body. [0005] Existing ingestible electronic pills include capsule endoscopy. However, the existing electronic pills require medical supervision as the electronic pills need to be safely removed from the body after use. The digestible electronic devices of the present disclosure are digested and eliminated from the patient’s body by the patient’s digestive system. SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE [0006] The present disclosure provides an electronic diagnostic system (100) comprising an edible electronic device (101) and an external transceiver unit/wearable device (201). [0007] The edible electronic device (101) comprises a signal transceiver (102), a non-linear device (103) connected to the signal transceiver (102), and a sensor (104) connected to the non- linear device (103). In some embodiments, the sensor (104) is also connected to a battery. [0008] The external transceiver (201) comprises a sine wave generator (202), a field coil (203), and a pick-up coil (204). The sine wave generator (202) drives a sinusoidal current through the field coil (203) or applies a sinusoidal voltage across the field coil (203) causing the field coil (203) to transmit an electromagnetic wave of a sinusoidal shape (“the sinusoidal signal” or “the transmitted signal”). The pick-up coil (204) picks up this sinusoidal signal. Once the edible electronic device (101) is swallowed, it makes its way through the gastro-intestinal tract and the sensor (104) of the device (101) begins sensing the analyte inside the body. If the edible electronic device (101) is in vicinity of the field coil (203) and the pick-up coil (204), the signal transceiver (102) of the edible electronic device (101) relays the transmitted signal from the field coil (203) to the pick-up coil (204). The output from the sensor (104) biases the non-linear device (103) appropriately which results in distorting the sinusoidal signal relayed by the signal transceiver (102) and picked up by the pick-up coil (204). Therefore, when the sensor (104) of the device (101) is sensing and the device (101) is present in the vicinity of the field coil (203) and pick-up coil (204), it relays a distorted version of the sinusoidal signal to the pick-up coil (204). The degree of distortion in the sinusoidal signal is proportional to the amount of the analyte and is measured to calculate the amount of the analyte. After sensing and relaying, the pill disintegrates and is digested by the body. [0009] The present disclosure also provides a method of detecting a parameter in a patient, comprising: a) placing the external transceiver unit (201) of the system (100) on the patient; b) activating the sine wave generator (202) of the external transceiver unit (201) to drive a sinusoidal current through the field coil (203) or apply a sinusoidal voltage across the field coil (203) allowing the field coil (203) to transmit a sinusoidal signal; c) providing the edible electronic device (101) to the subject, wherein the signal transceiver (102) of the edible electronic device (101) relays the sinusoidal signal generated by the field coil (203) to the pick- up coil (204) or relays a distorted signal caused by exposure of sensors of the edible electronic device (101) to gastrointestinal track of the subject; and d) measuring frequency components of the distorted signal. [0010] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0011] Figures 1 illustrates a system (100) comprising an edible electronic device (101) and an external transceiver (201) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [0012] Figure 2 illustrates a system (100) comprising an edible electronic device (101) and an external transceiver (201) according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [0013] Figure 3 shows exemplary embodiments of diodes as a non-linear device (103). [0014] Figure 4 shows exemplary embodiments of transistors as a non-linear device (103). [0015] Figure 5 shows an exemplary embodiment of a sensor (104) wherein the cathode and the anode are in contact with an absorbing medium which is in contact with a sensing environment. [0016] Figure 6 shows an exemplary embodiment of a galvanic cell that can be employed as a sensor (104)/non-linear device (103) or a battery. [0017] Figure 7 shows an exemplary embodiment of a signal transceiver (102) that comprises a two-dimensional, planar coil of an edible conductor deposited on a flexible substrate. [0018] Figure 8 shows a two-dimensional silver coil fabricated on an isomalt substrate. [0019] Figure 9 shows a three-dimensional silver coil deposited on a ferrite isomalt core. [0020] Figure 10 shows exemplary embodiments of shapes of a signal transceiver (102). [0021] Figure 11 shows unfolding of a foldable signal transceiver (102) comprising a pectin substrate comprising a metal coil in a solution of pH 2.0. [0022] The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE [0023] With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results. Throughout this specification, the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” or “containing” or “has” or “having”, or “including but not limited to” wherever used, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps. [0024] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, or “some embodiments” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment”, “in an embodiment”, or “in some embodiments” in various places throughout this specification may not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment. It is appreciated that certain features of the disclosure, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the disclosure, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination. Electronic Diagnostic System (100) [0025] The present disclosure provides a system (100) for detection or diagnosis of a parameter in a patient. The system (100) comprises an edible electronic device (101) and an external transceiver unit (201) (see Figure 1). The external transceiver unit (201) is wearable, i.e., the unit (201) is placed/mounted on the patient’s body. The external transceiver unit (201) comprises a sine wave generator (202), a field coil (203), and a pick-up/receiver coil (204). The sine wave generator (202) drives a sinusoidal current through a field coil (203) or applies a sinusoidal voltage across the field coil (203); the field coil (203) converts the sinusoidal current or the sinusoidal voltage into an electromagnetic wave (also referred to herein as a sinusoidal signal or a transmitted signal); and this sinusoidal signal is received by the pick-up coil (204). The edible electronic device (101) comprises a signal transceiver (102), a non-linear device (103), and one or more sensors (104). [0026] When the edible electronic device (101) is in proximity (e.g., about 15-20 cm) of the external transceiver unit (201), the signal transceiver (102) of the edible electronic device (101) receives the sinusoidal signal transmitted by the field coil (203) and relays it to the pick-up coil (204). Once the edible electronic device (101) is swallowed, it makes its way through the gastro-intestinal tract and the sensor (104) of the device (101) begins sensing the analyte inside the body. This sensed information (sensor output) biases the voltage of the non-linear device (103) which creates a distortion/disturbance/interference in the sinusoidal signal relayed by the signal transceiver (102) and picked up by the pick-up coil (204) if the edible electronic device (101) is within a vicinity of the field coil (203) and the pick-up coil (204). The degree of distortion created by the sensor output is proportional to the quantity of the analyte sensed by the sensors (104). The distorted sinusoidal signal is picked up by the pick-up coil (204) and the degree of distortion is measured to determine the amount of the analyte present in the patient’s body. After sensing and relaying, the pill disintegrates and is digested by the body. In some embodiments, the analyte sensed by the sensors (104) include, but is not limited to, pH, the presence of blood, blood cells, or blood proteins, H⁺ ion concentration, the presence of specific proteins and/or nucleic acids from a pathogen causing an infection and the like. [0027] In some embodiments, the external transceiver (201) comprises more than one field coil (203) and more than one pick-up coil (204). This allows the edible electronic device (101) to be in proximity of the field coil (203) and the pick-up coil (204). As the edible electronic device (101) travels through the patient’s body, the signal transceiver (102) relays the sinusoidal signal transmitted by the field coil (203) to the pick-up coil (204) allowing tracking of the location of the edible electronic device (101) inside the patient’s body. As described above, once the sensors (104) of the edible electronic device (101) start sensing the required parameters, the sensor output creates a distortion in the sinusoidal signal transmitted by the field coil (203) and the signal transceiver (201) relays the distorted signal to the pick-up coil (204). In some embodiments, the edible electronic device (101) needs to be within about 15-20 (cm) from the field coil (203) and the pick-up coil (204) for the signal transceiver (201) to relay the sinusoidal signal to the field coil (203). [0028] The sinusoidal signal transmitted by the field coil (203) and picked up by the pick-up coil (204) has a certain frequency when the signal is not distorted by the sensor output of the edible electronic device (101). Once the sensor output distorts the sinusoidal signal transmitted by the field coil (203), the frequency of the distorted signal changes compared to the frequency of the signal prior to distortion by the sensor output. The frequency components of the transmitted signal prior to distortion and after distortion are measured. The change in the frequency components is proportional to the amount of the analyte in the patient’s body. This change is measured, and the analyte value is calculated. [0029] A unit, e.g., a computing unit, outside the patient’s body performs an analysis of the received signal, for example, the analysis of the frequency components and the power spectrum, extracts information of the sensed parameters from the analysis, in some cases stores the information in a memory and may display the information. Edible Electronic Device (101) [0030] The edible electronic device (101) comprises sensors and other electronic components, all of which are made of edible food-grade materials. The term “edible” as used herein refers to components/materials that are safe to eat with some or all of the materials being digested by the body. Certain components of the edible electronic device comprise metals such as silver, gold, aluminium, iron, copper, zinc, and the like; however, the amounts of these metals used to build the components are well below the threshold limits set by government mandated food safety regulations. [0031] The edible electronic device (101) has an orally ingestible size and shape, i.e., the size and the shape of the edible electronic device is such that a patient can easily swallow or ingest the device. In some embodiments, the edible electronic device is in the form of a pill, capsule, or a tablet. [0032] The edible electronic device (101) comprises the following components: a signal transceiver (102); a non-linear device connected to the signal transceiver (103); and a sensor connected to the non-linear device (104). In some embodiments, there can be more than one sensor, each sensor sensing a different parameter in the patient’s body. [0033] In some embodiments, the one or more sensors are connected to a power source (105) or battery (Figure 2). The battery appropriately biases the circuit, i.e., the sensor and the non- linear device, so as to permit optimum performance. [0034] The edible electronic device (101) comprises a housing (110). Some components of the device (101) can be inside the housing and some components can be outside the housing. The arrangement of the components of the device (101) inside or outside the housing (110) and their connections are within the skill of an ordinary artisan in the field of electronics. In an exemplary embodiment, the non-linear device (103) and the sensor(s) (104) are located inside the housing (110) and the signal transceiver (102) is located inside or outside the housing (110). In another exemplary embodiment, the non-linear device (103) is inside the housing (110), the sensor(s) (104) is outside the housing (110), and the signal transceiver (102) is located inside or outside the housing (110). In the embodiments where more than one sensor is present, the non-linear device (103) is inside the housing (110), one or more sensors (104) are outside the housing (110), the remaining sensors are inside the housing (110), and the signal transceiver (102) is located inside or outside the housing (110). The battery, if present, is located inside or outside the housing (110). [0035] In some embodiments, the housing (110) comprises a material selected from gelatin, cellulose such as ethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC), starch, sugarin or a combination thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the housing comprises gelatin. Signal transceiver (102) [0036] Every component of the signal transceiver (102) is edible and well below the toxicity levels set forth food safety regulations. The signal transceiver (102) comprises a coil deposited on a substrate. The transceiver coil can be a two-dimensional, planar coil or the coil can be a three-dimensional coil – a metal wire spooled into a cylindrical form with or without a core. [0037] In some embodiments, the transceiver coil (102) comprises a conductive metal wire deposited on a substrate. The conductive metal wire can comprise a wire made from a single conductive metal, or a wire made from a combination of conductive metals. When the conductive metal wire comprises a combination of metals, a small length of individual metal wires are connected to each other. For example, a portion of the metal wire is made from metal 1, the next portion is made from metal 2, the next portion is made from metal 3, and so on. This is done so that the conductive metal wire is well below the toxicity level of each individual metal yet is long enough to provide a coil that is effective in relaying the signal received from field coil (203) to the pick-up coil (204). In some embodiments, the conductive metal employed to prepare the conductive metal wire is selected from copper, silver, aluminium, zinc, or a combination thereof. [0038] In some embodiments, the transceiver coil (102) is in a folded form prior to ingestion of the edible electronic device (101). In these embodiments, the transceiver coil (102) comprises a two-dimensional, planar conductive coil deposited on a flexible substrate. The flexible substrate containing the planar conductive coil is folded or wrapped to provide a compact structure which, upon exposure to a patient’s GI track, gets unfolded to provide an expanded transceiver coil (102). The term “flexible substrate” as used herein means a substrate that can be folded and/or bended without a tear or a crack. Depositing a planar coil on a flexible substrate allows for accommodation of a longer conductive coil and at the same time, the transceiver coil (102) remains compact prior to ingestion and expands upon disintegration. The two-dimensional, planar conductive coil comprises a conductive metal wire deposited in a planar coil shape. The two-dimensional, planar conductive coil can be made from a single conductive metal, or from a combination of conductive metals as described above. Figure 7 shows an exemplary embodiment of a transceiver coil deposited on a flexible substrate that was in a folded form (labelled as “before”) prior to immersion in an acid (mimicking the stomach acid conditions) and was unfolded/expanded after immersion in the acid (labelled as “after”). Figure 10 shows exemplary shapes of foldable substrates. Panel A of Figure 10 shows a rectangular shaped substrate (thicker outline) with a rectangular shaped transceiver coil deposited on it. Panel B of Figure 10 shows a bow shaped substrate (thicker outline) with a bow shaped transceiver coil deposited on it. Panel C of Figure 10 shows a petal shaped substrate (lighter outline) with a petal shaped transceiver coil (darker line) deposited on it. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the flexible substrate and the transceiver coil can have any suitable shape. Figure 11 shows another exemplary embodiment of a flexible, foldable substrate which gradually unfolds in a solution of pH 2.0. [0039] In some embodiments, the transceiver coil (102) comprising a two-dimensional, planar conductive coil deposited on a flexible substrate is folded inside the housing (110), or is wrapped around or folded and attached to the housing (110) with an edible/dissolvable glue from outside. [0040] In some embodiments, the flexible substrate comprises a sugar paper, pectin, gelatin, cellulose, or a combination thereof. [0041] In some embodiments, the transceiver coil (102) comprises a conductive metal wire wound on a core comprising sugar and surrounded by an edible elastic band. The conductive metal wire wound on a sugar-containing core can be made from a single conductive metal, or from a combination of conductive metals as described above. The edible elastic band is placed on the conductive metal wire wound on a core comprising sugar to allow breaking of the conductive metal wire into smaller pieces once the transceiver coil (102) is exposed to the patient’s GI track. The core containing sugar dissolves faster compared to the edible elastic band when exposed to the patient’s GI track. As the core starts dissolving, the edible elastic band snaps and breaks the conductive metal wire into smaller pieces. Breaking of the longer conductive metal wire coil into smaller pieces by the edible elastic band allows faster dissolution and elimination of metal wire pieces. [0042] In some embodiments, the edible elastic band comprises refined wheat flour. [0043] This concept of placing an edible elastic band around metal conductive wires can also be employed for other components of the edible device (101) that contain a metal wire to allow breaking of the metal wire into pieces. [0044] In some embodiments, the signal transceiver (102) comprises a conductive metal wire deposited on an edible substrate such as isomalt, sugarin, gelatin, or a combination thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the signal transceiver (102) comprises isomalt as the edible substrate and silver as the edible conductor. In another exemplary embodiment, the signal transceiver (102) comprises a two-dimensional coil of a metal conductor on an edible substrate, e.g., a two-dimensional silver coil on an isomalt substrate (Figure 8) or a two-dimensional aluminium or copper coil on a pectin substrate (Figure 11). In yet another embodiment, the signal transceiver (102) comprises a three-dimensional coil of an edible substrate coated with a layer or particles of an edible conductor, e.g., a three-dimensional isomalt coil coated with a silver layer or silver particles. In yet another embodiment, the inductor comprises an edible substrate embedded with particles of an edible material that increases the permeability and coated with coil of an edible conductor, e.g., an isomalt substrate embedded with iron particles (iron increases the permeability) and coated with a silver coil. An exemplary embodiment is shown in Figure 9. Non-linear device (103) [0045] Every component of the signal transceiver (102) is edible and well below the toxicity levels set forth food safety regulations. The signal transceiver (102) comprises a coil deposited on a substrate. The transceiver coil can be a two-dimensional, planar coil or the coil can be a three-dimensional coil – a metal wire spooled into a cylindrical form with or without a core. [0046] The non-linear device (103) is connected to the sensor(s) (104) and the signal transceiver (102). The non-linear device (103) receives the sensor output from the sensor(s) (104). The sensor output changes the bias voltage of the non-linear device and based on this change, the non-linear device converts the signal relayed by the signal transceiver (102) into a signal having different shape and a unique power spectrum. For example, the edible electronic device (101) comprises a sensor that senses the pH of the stomach. If the pH of the stomach is 1, the sensor output will change the biasing of the non-linear device (103) by certain voltage. If the pH is 2, the sensor output will change the biasing of the non-linear device (103) by a different voltage amount. That is, the bias value of the non-linear device changes based on the sensor output. Based on this bias value, the non-linear device changes the shape of the signal and power spectrum of the signal into something different. [0047] In an exemplary embodiment, a non-linear device with laterally symmetric current voltage (IV) characteristics, when fed by a current limited sinusoid voltage, produces double sided clipped sinusoid across it (resulting in 3rd harmonic). When it is biased by a certain DC voltage, it gives rise to a single sided clipping voltage which gives rise to 2nd harmonic. The ratio of the 2nd and the 3rd harmonic voltages can be used to measure a parameter, for example, a pH sensed by the sensor. In some embodiments, the pH sensed by the sensor can be approximately calculated by the following formula: log10(Vhar3/Vhar2) = (pH)^X; where X is a constant real number, found experimentally, and used for calibration of the pH value and harmonics ratio. [0048] In some embodiments, the non-linear device is a diode or a transistor or a galvanic cell. Every component of the non-linear device is edible. Diode [0049] In some embodiments, the diode comprises an edible semiconductor connected to an edible Schottky contact and an edible ohmic contact. An edible insulator substrate is employed to support the assembly of the edible semiconductor, the Schottky contact, and the ohmic contact. The edible semiconductor, the Schottky contact and the ohmic contact can be arranged in various ways. Figure 3 shows exemplary arrangements of the edible semiconductor, the Schottky contact and the ohmic contact on an edible insulator substrate to form the diode. In some embodiments, the diodes are built by depositing layers or films of the components according to desired arrangements. The thickness of the layer or the film can be in the submicron ranges such as for example, about 10-500 nm, 10-400 nm, 10-300 nm, 10-250 nm, 10-200 nm, 10-100 nm or about 50-100 nm including values and ranges thereof. The forward and reverse current voltage (IV) characteristics of the diode can be controlled by controlling the thickness of the semiconductor and the topology of the diode. [0050] In some embodiments of the diode, the edible semiconductor is selected from zinc oxide, amorphous silicon, or a protein such as keratin. [0051] For Schottky contact, the contact must encourage charge transport in one direction only. Therefore, for electron-transporting semiconductors, the Schottky contact comprises a high workfunction metal such as gold, silver etc. For hole-transporting semiconductors, the Schottky contact comprises a low workfunction metal such as aluminium, calcium, or magnesium. In some embodiments, the Schottky contact comprises melanin. [0052] The ohmic contact comprises a metal of appropriate work function. The metal employed for the ohmic contact depends on the type of the semiconductor. In general, the ohmic contact is created by having a metal-semiconductor contact that can transport carriers across the junction easily. This may include having a hole transporting semiconductor made to contact a high work function metal, or electron transporting semiconductor made to contact a low work function metal or having a contact that encourages tunnelling currents. For electron transporting semiconductors, the ohmic contact comprises aluminium, calcium, magnesium and other low work function metals. For hole-transporting semiconductors, the ohmic contact comprises of gold, silver, and other high workfunction metals. In some embodiments, the Ohmic contact comprises melanin. [0053] In some embodiments, the edible insulator substrate (employed to support the assembly of the edible semiconductor, the Schottky contact, and the ohmic contact) is selected from a sugar paper, isomalt, sugarin, an oxide (e.g., SiO₂ or a metal oxide such as MgO, ZnO, aluminium oxide, and the like), xanthan gum, cotton, egg albumen, gelatin, cellulose, jute, or a combination thereof. Transistor [0054] In some embodiments, the transistor comprises an electron conductor connected to an insulator connected to an edible semiconductor connected to a first and a second ohmic contact. Figure 4 shows exemplary arrangements of the components of the transistor according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the transistors are built by depositing layers or films of the components according to desired arrangement patterns. The thickness of the layer or the film can be in the submicron ranges such as for example, about 10-500 nm, 10-400 nm, 10-300 nm, 10-250 nm, 10-200 nm, 10-100 nm or about 50-100 nm including values and ranges thereof. The properties of the transistor can be modulated by controlling the thickness and topology of the components. [0055] In some embodiments of the transistor, the electron conductor is a metal selected from aluminium, silver, or gold or the electron conductor is melanin; the insulator is selected from isomalt, sugarin, an oxide (e.g., SiO2 or a metal oxide such as MgO, ZnO, aluminium oxide, and the like), xanthan gum, sugar paper, cotton, egg albumen, gelatin, cellulose, jute, or a combination thereof; the edible semiconductor is selected from zinc oxide, amorphous silicon, melanin, and the like; and the first and the second ohmic contact comprise a metal of appropriate work function. As describe above, the metal employed for the ohmic contact depends on the type of the semiconductor. In general, the ohmic contact is created by having a metal-semiconductor contact that can transport carriers across the junction easily. This may include having a hole transporting semiconductor made to contact a high work function metal, or electron transporting semiconductor made to contact a low work function metal or having a contact that encourages tunnelling currents. For electron transporting semiconductors, the ohmic contact comprises aluminium, calcium, magnesium and other low work function metals. For hole-transporting semiconductors, the ohmic contact comprises of gold, silver, and other high workfunction metals. [0056] In some embodiments, the transistor comprises an edible substrate to support the assembly of the electron conductor, the insulator, the semiconductor, and the first and the second ohmic contact. In some embodiments, the edible substrate is selected from a sugar paper, isomalt, sugarin, an oxide (SiO₂ or a metal oxide such as MgO, ZnO, aluminium oxide, and the like), xanthan gum, cotton, egg albumen, gelatin, cellulose, jute, or a combination thereof. Galvanic cell as the non-linear device (103)/sensor (104) [0057] In the embodiments where the non-linear device is a galvanic cell, the sensor and the non-linear device is the same. That is, in this embodiment, a galvanic cell employed as a sensor (104) also acts as the non-linear device (103). In this embodiment, where the sensor (104)/non- linear device (103) is a galvanic cell, the sensor (104)/non-linear device (103) comprises an electrolyte, a cathode, and an anode. The cathode and the anode are in a direct contact with the electrolyte and the cathode and the anode are in a direct or an indirect contact with the sensing environment. In an exemplary embodiment where the cathode and the anode are in an indirect contact with a sensing environment, the cathode and the anode are connected to an absorbing medium which is in contact with the sensing environment (Figure 5). The absorbing medium can be a bioabsorbable dressing, a filter paper, a cotton swab, a gauze pad, and the like. [0058] A galvanic cell is an electrochemical cell in which an electric current is generated from the spontaneous redox reactions. Anodes and cathodes employed in galvanic cells are known in the art. In the galvanic cell, a metal or a chemical species with a higher reduction potential serves as a cathode and a metal or a chemical species with a lower reduction potential serves as an anode. Table 1 shows standard reduction potentials of some metals and chemical species. Table 1

species are known in the art. Accordingly, one of ordinary skill in the art can select a metal/ionic species with a higher reduction potential as a cathode and a metal/ionic species with a lower reduction potential as an anode. For example, copper has a higher reduction potential than zinc (see Table 1). Accordingly, in one embodiment of the galvanic cell as the non-linear device (103)/the sensor (104), the cathode comprises copper and the anode comprises zinc. However, as one can see from Table 1, the reduction potential of zinc is higher than that of aluminium, magnesium, and sodium. Therefore, in some embodiments, the cathode can comprise zinc and the anode can comprise aluminium, magnesium. [0060] In exemplary embodiments, the anode is selected from nickel, cadmium, iron, zinc, aluminium, magnesium, or sodium. In exemplary embodiments, the cathode is selected from copper, silver, manganese, or iron. However, as explained above, what serves as a cathode and an anode depends on the reduction potential of the chemical entity. That is, the same chemical entity can serve as anode in one embodiment (when paired with an entity with a higher reduction potential as cathode) and as cathode in another embodiment (when paired with an entity with a lower reduction potential as anode). Accordingly, in some embodiments, the anode and the cathode of the galvanic cell employed as the non-linear device (103)/the sensor (104) of the edible electronic device (101) are selected from nickel, iron, zinc, aluminium, magnesium, sodium, copper, silver, and depending on the reduction potential of these chemical entities. The quantities of the metals employed to form the cathode and the anode are well below the toxicity limits of these metals. Table 2 below shows toxicity level limits of some of the metals for a 10kg child/day. The amounts of metals used (the middle column of Table 2) to prepare one or more components of the edible electronic device (101) are far less than the toxicity level limits such as those shown in Table 2. Table 2

[0061] The anode and the cathode of the galvanic cell employed as the non-linear device (103)/the sensor (104) can be in the form of a thin film or a thin wire. The thickness of the film can be in the submicron ranges such as for example, about 10-200 nm or about 50-100 nm including values and ranges thereof. Thin films of metals can be deposited using techniques known in the art such as physical vapor deposition, thermal vapor deposition, DC magnetron sputtering and the like. The thickness of the film or the length and the diameter of the wire are selected to make sure that the total amount of the component employed in the entire edible electronic device is below the toxicity limit. [0062] In an exemplary embodiment, the cathode and the anode each comprise a terminal. In some embodiments, the terminals comprise edible conductors such as silver, copper, zinc, and the like. The terminals can be in the form of a thin wire. [0063] In some embodiments, the electrolyte is selected from the group consisting of lemon extract, orange extract, a potato extract, gastric juice, citric acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, oxalic acid, fumaric acid, succinic acid and a combination thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the lemon extract is lemon juice. In an exemplary embodiment, the orange extract is orange juice. [0064] In some embodiments, the electrolyte, the anode and the cathode of the galvanic cell employed as the non-linear device (103)/the sensor (104) are held by a carrier. In some embodiments, the carrier is a solid. In some embodiments, the carrier is a gel. In some embodiments, the carrier is selected from pectin, gelatin, isomalt, sugarin, sugar paper, or a combination thereof. [0065] In some embodiments, the electrolyte and the carrier are mixed to prepare a solid electrolyte. For example, in one embodiment, a lemon extract, orange extract, citric acid, or any other electrolyte is heated; a solid substrate like pectin or gelatin is added; and the mixture is allowed to cool down and solidify on a surface such as a sheet of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) or any other substrate to provide support. After cooling, the solidified substrate is lifted off the surface and is free standing. In this embodiment, the solidified mixture of the electrolyte mixed with a carrier such as pectin/gelatin is a solid electrolyte. In some embodiments, a thin sheet of metal electrodes, e.g., copper and zinc, are placed on either side of the solid electrolyte as a cathode and anode. In some other embodiments, a cathode and an anode can be deposited in the form of a thin film on the surface of a solid electrolyte. [0066] In some embodiments, the electrolyte is supported in a soft carrier such as a gel. A gel carrier can be prepared from gelatin, sugarin, isomalt or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, a sugarin-coated gelatin capsule or well comprises an isomalt gel that holds an electrolyte or an electrolyte-pectin mixture. In some embodiments, a sugarin-coated gelatin capsule or well comprises two layers of an isomalt gel and an electrolyte is sandwiched between the two isomalt layers. Figure 6 shows an exemplary galvanic cell that can be employed in the present disclosure as a sensor (104)/non-linear device (103)/battery. [0067] While a few exemplary designs based on the principle of a galvanic cell are described above, the scope of the galvanic cell as the non-linear device (103)/sensor (104) encompassed by the invention is not limited to these exemplary designs. One of ordinary skill in the art can use different metals as anodes and cathodes than those described in the exemplary embodiments. Similarly, one of ordinary skill in the art can use carriers and electrolytes other than those described above in the exemplary embodiments. Sensor (104) [0068] The edible electronic device (101) comprises one or more sensors (104) connected to the non-linear device (103). The sensors (104) sense one or more analytes present inside the patient’s body to detect or diagnose one or more parameters. The analyte information sensed by the sensors is the sensor output. The sensor (104) sends the sensor output to the non-linear device (103) which biases the voltage of the non-linear device which in turn creates a distortion/change/interference in the sinusoidal signal relayed by the signal transceiver (102) to the pick-up coil (204). The degree of distortion in the sinusoidal signal relayed by the signal transceiver (102) to the pick-up coil (204) is proportional to the amount of the analyte present in the patient’s body. In some embodiments, the analyte sensed by the sensors (104) include, but is not limited to, pH, the presence of blood, blood cells, or blood proteins, H⁺ ion concentration, the presence of specific proteins and/or nucleic acids from a pathogen causing an infection and the like. [0069] In some embodiments, the sensor (104) is also connected to a power source (105)/battery. [0070] In some embodiments, the sensor (104) comprises a sensing component connect to a galvanic cell. The sensing component senses the analyte of interest inside the patient’s body. The analyte information sensed by the sensing component causes a change in the voltage of the galvanic cell which then biases the voltage of the non-linear device (103). [0071] In some embodiments where the analyte is a pH, the electrolyte of the galvanic cell acts as both - the sensing component and the electrolyte. The construction of the galvanic cell as a pH sensor (104) is the same as that described above under the section entitled “Galvanic cell as the non-linear device (103)/sensor (104)”. Power Source/Battery (105) [0072] In some embodiments, the sensor(s) (104) is connected to a power source/battery (105). In some embodiments, the battery connected to the sensor (104) of the edible electronic device (101) is a galvanic cell. In the galvanic cell employed as a battery, the cathode and the anode of the galvanic cell are not in contact with the sensing environment and thus, the galvanic cell serving as a battery does not act as the sensor (104)/non-linear device (103). [0073] In some embodiments, the battery comprises an electrolyte, a cathode, an anode, a terminal connected to the cathode and a terminal connected to the anode. Every component of the battery is edible and well below the toxicity levels set forth food safety regulations. [0074] The electrolytes, the cathode, the anode, the terminals, and their exemplary construction to provide a galvanic cell are described above. [0075] In some embodiments, a slow-release coating may be provided on some components of the edible electronic device (101) and/or around the housing (110) of the edible electronic device (110). In some embodiments, the slow-release coating is comprised of sugarin. In some embodiments, the slow-release coating is comprised of isomalt and sugarin. In some embodiments, the slow-release coating is comprised of isomalt, sugarin, cellulose such as ethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC), or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the slow-release coating is employed to time the exposure of one or more components of the edible electronic device (101). In some embodiments, the slow- release coating is employed to protect one or more components from moisture, acidic pH of the stomach, or any other environmental variations. In some embodiments, the slow-release coating extends the exposure of the one or more components by about 10 minutes, 15 minutes, 20 minutes, 30 minutes, 45 minutes, 1 hour, 1.5 hours, 2 hours, 2.5 hours, 3 hours, 3.5 hours, 4 hours, 4.5 hours, 5 hours, 5.5 hours or up to about 6 hours. External transceiver unit (201) [0076] As described above, the external transceiver unit (201) comprises a sine wave generator (202), a field coil (203), and a pick-up coil (204). [0077] The sine wave generator (202) drives a sinusoidal current through the field coil (203) or applies a sinusoidal voltage across the field coil (203) causing the field coil (203) to generate an electromagnetic wave having a sinusoidal shape. In some embodiments, the electromagnetic wave (also referred to herein as a sinusoidal signal or transmitted signal) generated by the field coil (203) is in the range of about 2 to 10 KHz. The current supplied by the sine wave generator (202) and the frequency of the sinusoidal signal generated by the field coil (203) induces enough power in the signal transceiver (102) of the edible electronic device (101) thereby powering the edible electronic device (101). [0078] The metal conductive wire employed in the field coil (203) should be thick enough to carry a high current (e.g., about 10 A) and the number of metal wire windings in the field coil (203) should be enough to induce a sufficient electromagnetic frequency to drive the transceiver coil (102) circuitry of the edible electronic device (101). [0079] The external transceiver (201) has a sensitive pickup coil (204) which receives a signal relayed by the signal transceiver (102) of the edible electronic device (101) through inductive coupling. The external transceiver unit (201) also comprises lock-in amplifiers to detect 2nd and 3rd harmonic content of the distorted sinusoid signal. Detection/Diagnosis Methods [0080] The present disclosure provides a method for detecting a parameter in a patient/subject. The method comprises a) placing the external transceiver unit (201) of the system (100) on the subject; b) activating the sine wave generator (202) of the external transceiver unit (201) to drive a sinusoidal current through the field coil (203) or apply a sinusoidal voltage across the field coil (203) allowing the field coil (203) to transmit a sinusoidal signal; c) providing the edible electronic device (101) to the subject, wherein the signal transceiver (102) of the edible electronic device (101) relays the sinusoidal signal generated by the field coil (203) to the pick- up coil (204) or relays a distorted signal caused by exposure of sensors (104) of the edible electronic device (101) to gastrointestinal track of the subject; and measuring frequency components of the distorted signal. [0081] The present disclosure provides a method for diagnosing a parameter in a patient/subject. The method comprises a) placing the external transceiver unit (201) of the system (100) on the subject; b) activating the sine wave generator (202) of the external transceiver unit (201) to drive a sinusoidal current through the field coil (203) or apply a sinusoidal voltage across the field coil (203) allowing the field coil (203) to transmit a sinusoidal signal; c) providing the edible electronic device (101) to the subject, wherein the signal transceiver (102) of the edible electronic device (101) relays the sinusoidal signal generated by the field coil (203) to the pick-up coil (204) or relays a distorted signal caused by exposure of sensors (104) of the edible electronic device (101) to gastrointestinal track of the subject; and diagnosing a value for the parameter by measuring frequency components of the distorted signal. [0082] In some embodiments, the parameter detected by the system (100) of the present disclosure is pH, internal bleeding, acidity, pathogen causing an infection or a combination thereof. [0083] It is to be understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is illustrative of the disclosure and not a limitation. While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the particular features of this disclosure, it will be appreciated that various modifications can be made, and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein. Similarly, additional embodiments and features of the present disclosure will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in art based upon description provided herein. [0084] Descriptions of well-known/conventional methods/steps and techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. Further, the disclosure herein provides for examples illustrating the above-described embodiments, and in order to illustrate the embodiments of the present disclosure certain aspects have been employed. The examples used herein for such illustration are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the following examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein. EXAMPLES Example 1: Preparation of a signal transceiver (102) comprising a three-dimensional metal conductor coil [0085] The core of the transceiver coil was made from a combination of refined wheat flour and sugar in a w/w ratio of 1:5, respectively. Specifically, 5 parts of sugar was heated to its molten state and 1 part of refined wheat flour was added. This mixture was stirred quickly until a thick paste was achieved. Care was taken to avoid the formation of crumbs while stirring. The resulting molten mixture was then poured into a silicone mould of desired core shape and allowed to cool down. Windings of desired number of turns of a conductive metal wire were mounted onto the core. The windings were ensured to stay in place by locally providing heat at the winding site (using a soldering gun), allowing the wire to settle in the molten refined wheat flour-sugar mixture. The mixture was allowed to cool around the conductive metal wire ensuring a firm grip. Finally, orthodontic bands were tightly tied around the core. [0086] Orthodontic rubber bands for braces are safe and pass through the digestive system without causing any harm unless a person is particularly allergic to some constituent material. [0087] This signal transceiver has a slower dissolution rate compared to a signal transceiver comprising only sugar core and metal wire windings. [0088] On leaving this signal transceiver in HCL of pH 2.5 (mimicking gastric pH conditions), it was observed that the signal transceiver was stable for a sufficient amount of time, i.e., the force exerted by the stretched rubber band on the core due to the stored elastic potential energy (to come back to its initial length) was balanced out by the contact forces exerted by the core on the band. As the sugar begun to dissolve in HCl over time, a time came when the contact forces could no longer balance out the force exerted by the rubber bands. At this time, the signal transceiver structure collapsed, the metal wire was snapped, and/or got entangled in the sugar- refined wheat flour mixture forming a small lump. This lump structure didn’t have coils that were large enough to get stuck in parts of the digestive system and are therefore, expected to pass through the digestive system without any issues. Example 2: Preparation of a galvanic cell as a pH sensor (104) or a battery (105) [0089] A gelatin capsule was taken. To protect the inner layers of the gelatin capsule from the moisture of the electrolyte, sugarin was coated on the inside walls of the gelatin capsule. To do this, the lower part of the gelatin capsule was filled with the sugarin and left in for about 2 min. After two min, the sugarin was poured out. A thin coating of sugarin was observed on the walls of the gelatin capsule. [0090] Isomalt was heated up to 200℃ to obtain liquid isomalt. This liquid isomalt was cooled for about 30 sec at room conditions. About 2 ml of liquid isomalt was filled into the sugarin- coated gelatin capsule so that it covers a height of about 0.6 cm from the bottom of the capsule. Two thin copper (weight less than 10mg) and zinc (weight less than 40mg) electrodes were dipped into the liquid isomalt. Two thin aluminum wires (weight less than 10mg) were connected to copper and zinc electrodes. Aluminum wires acts as terminals/leads of the galvanic cell. After inserting the electrodes, the capsule was left for about 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, the liquid isomalt inside the capsule was solidified. The copper and zinc electrodes used were below the toxicity limits of the human body. A freshly prepared lemon extract was heated up to 150℃. To 5 parts of heated lemon juice, 1 part of pectin was added, the mixture was stirred and poured onto the solidified isomalt inside the capsule making sure the two electrodes were immersed in the lemon extract electrolyte. [0091] When this galvanic cell is employed as a pH sensor, the cathode and the anode are constructed to be in contact with a gastric environment of the patient’s body. When this galvanic cell is employed as a power source/battery (105), the cathode and the anode are constructed in such a manner that they are inside the edible electronic device (101) and not exposed to the gastric environment of the patient’s body at the time the sensors (104) are exposed. Example 3: Preparation of an edible diode (103) and a transistor (103)

and H, a sugar paper of required dimensions was baked on a hotplate at 140℃ for 90 minutes. Gold was deposited by sputtering and aluminium was deposited by thermal evaporation. Zinc oxide was deposited using reactive DC sputtering with Zn and target at appropriate oxygen partial pressure. [0093] A similar process can be used to prepare transistors (103) shown in Figure 4. Example 4: Preparation of a foldable signal transceiver (102) [0094] A pectin sheet was prepared as a flexible substrate. First, pectin powder was mixed with water. Any unmixed lumps that formed were crushed. The mixture was allowed to sit for 5-10 minutes and mixed again to make it homogeneous. The mixture was applied onto laboratory glass slides. The size of the slides was 7.5 cm x 3.5 cm. Since the mixture was applied onto glass slides by hand, the thickness of the pectin layer varied across the length and width of the slide. However, it was observed that the pectin layer self-leveled itself to some extent over the setting time. The slides with the applied mixture were allowed to set in the refrigerator for about 36 to 40 hours to obtain a pectin sheet. The pectin sheet thus obtained was fairly elastic and not very brittle. It could easily be bent into a ring shape and would spring back to its original shape. The sheet can also be cut into any shape such as the shapes shown in Figure 10. To prevent the sheet from drying out, edible glaze was applied. The glaze being sticky offered an adhesive for the coil to be placed on. A metal transceiver coil (102) was then deposited on the pectin sheet. The coil may comprise one or more layers of metal foil (e.g., aluminum or copper) cut into shapes conformal to the substrate. The substrate with the deposited coil was folded and held with edible glue applied to the ends. The edible glue was composed of agar-agar, corn syrup, glycerin, citric acid, and carboxymethylcellulose (CMC). The portion where the edible glue was applied was closed using forceps and held it in the closed position for about 10-15 minutes for the glue to set. [0095] The folded pectin substrate with the metal coil was released into a solution of pH 2.0. Figure 11 shows a gradual opening of the sheet in the pH 2.0 solution.

Claims

We claim: 1. An edible electronic device (101) comprising: a. a signal transceiver (102); b. a non-linear device (103) connected to the signal transceiver (102); and c. a sensor (104) connected to the non-linear device (103).

2. The edible electronic device (101) as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the sensor (104) is connected to a power source (105).

3. The edible electronic device (101) as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, wherein the non-linear device (103) and the sensor (104) are located inside a housing and the signal transceiver (102) is located inside or outside the housing.

4. The edible electronic device (101) as claimed in any one of Claims 1-3, wherein the signal transceiver (102) comprises a transceiver coil (102).

5. The edible electronic device (101) as claimed in Claim 4, wherein the transceiver coil (102) comprises a material selected from sugar, sugarin, pectin, a conductive metal, edible rubber, flour, or a combination thereof.

6. The edible electronic device (101) as claimed in Claim 5, wherein the transceiver coil (102) comprises a conductive metal wire.

7. The edible electronic device (101) as claimed in Claim 6, wherein the conductive metal wire comprise a conductive metal selected from copper, silver, aluminium, zinc, or a combination thereof.

8. The edible electronic device (101) as claimed in any one of Claims 4-7, wherein the transceiver coil (102) comprises a two-dimensional conductive coil deposited on a flexible substrate.

9. The edible electronic device (101) as claimed in Claim 8, wherein the flexible substrate comprises a sugar paper, pectin, gelatin, cellulose, or a combination thereof.

10. The edible electronic device (101) as claimed in any one of Claims 4-7, wherein the transceiver coil (102) comprises a conductive metal wire wound on a core comprising sugar and surrounded by an edible elastic band.

11. The edible electronic device (101) as claimed in Claim 10, wherein the edible elastic band comprises refined wheat flour.

12. The edible electronic device (101) as claimed in any one of Claims 1-11, wherein the non- linear device (103) and the sensor (104) are the same.

13. The edible electronic device (101) as claimed in Claim 12, wherein the non-linear device (103) and the sensor (104) is a galvanic cell.

14. The edible electronic device (101) as claimed in Claim 13, wherein the galvanic cell comprises an electrolyte, a cathode, and an anode.

15. The edible electronic device (101) as claimed in Claim 14, wherein the cathode and the anode are in a direct contact with a sensing environment.

16. The edible electronic device (101) as claimed in Claim 14, wherein the cathode and the anode are connected to an absorbing medium which is in contact with a sensing environment.

17. The edible electronic device (101) as claimed in any one of Claims 14-16, wherein the cathode is selected from the group consisting of copper, silver, iron, and oxygen.

18. The edible electronic device (101) as claimed in any one of Claims 14-16, wherein the anode is selected from the group consisting of zinc, magnesium, aluminium, and sodium.

19. The edible electronic device (101) as claimed in any one of Claims 14-18, wherein the electrolyte is selected from selected from the group consisting of lemon extract, orange extract, a potato extract, gastric juice, citric acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, oxalic acid, fumaric acid, succinic acid and a combination thereof.

20. The edible electronic device (101) as claimed in any one of Claims 1-11, wherein the non- linear device (103) is a diode.

21. The edible electronic device (101) as claimed in Claim 20, wherein the diode comprises an edible semiconductor connected to a Schottky contact and an ohmic contact.

22. The edible electronic device (101) as claimed in Claim 21, wherein the edible semiconductor is selected from zinc oxide or amorphous silicon or keratin; the Schottky contact comprises gold, silver, melanin, or other high workfunction materials for electron transporting semiconductors or aluminium, calcium, magnesium, or other low workfunction materials for hole-transporting semiconductors; and the ohmic contact comprises aluminium, magnesium, calcium, melanin, or other low workfunction metals for electron transporting semiconductors or gold, silver, or other high workfunction metals for hole transporting semiconductors.

23. The edible electronic device (101) as claimed in Claim 21 or 22, wherein the edible semiconductor comprises zinc oxide, the Schottky contact comprises gold, and the ohmic contact comprises silver.

24. The edible electronic device (101) as claimed in any one of Claims 21-23, wherein the diode comprises an edible insulator substrate to support the semiconductor, the Schottky contact and the ohmic contact.

25. The edible electronic device (101) as claimed in Claim 24, wherein the edible insulator substrate is selected from a sugar paper, isomalt, sugarin, an oxide, xanthan gum, cotton, egg albumen, gelatin, cellulose, jute, or a combination thereof.

26. The edible electronic device (101) as claimed in any one of Claims 1-11, wherein the non- linear device (103) is a transistor.

27. The edible electronic device (101) as claimed in Claim 26, wherein the transistor comprises a metal connected to an insulator connected to an edible semiconductor connected a first and a second ohmic contact.

28. The edible electronic device (101) as claimed in Claim 27, wherein the metal comprises aluminium, silver, gold, or melanin; the insulator is selected from a sugar paper, isomalt, sugarin, an oxide, xanthan gum, cotton, egg albumen, gelatin, jute, or a combination thereof; the edible semiconductor comprises zinc oxide or amorphous silicon or keratin; and the first and the second ohmic contact comprises aluminium, magnesium, calcium, melanin or other low workfunction metals for electron transporting semiconductors or gold, silver, melanin, or other high workfunction metals for hole transporting semiconductors.

29. The edible electronic device (101) as claimed in Claim 27 or 28, wherein the transistor comprises an edible insulator substrate as a support.

30. The edible electronic device (101) as claimed in Claim 29, wherein the edible insulator substrate is selected from a sugar paper, isomalt, sugarin, an oxide, xanthan gum, cotton, egg albumen, gelatin, cellulose, jute, or a combination thereof.

31. The edible electronic device (101) as claimed in any one of Claims 20-30, wherein the sensor (104) comprises an electrolyte, a cathode, and an anode.

32. The edible electronic device (101) as claimed in Claim 31, wherein the cathode and the anode are in a direct contact with a sensing environment.

33. The edible electronic device (101) as claimed in Claim 31, wherein the cathode and the anode are connected to an absorbing medium which is in contact with a sensing environment.

34. The edible electronic device (101) as claimed in any one of Claims 31-33, wherein the cathode is selected from the group consisting of copper, silver, iron, and oxygen.

35. The edible electronic device (101) as claimed in any one of Claims 31-34, wherein the anode is selected from the group consisting of zinc, magnesium, aluminium, and sodium.

36. The edible electronic device (101) as claimed in any one of Claims 31-35, wherein the electrolyte is selected from selected from the group consisting of lemon extract, orange extract, a potato extract, gastric juice, citric acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, oxalic acid, fumaric acid, succinic acid and a combination thereof.

37. The edible electronic device (101) as claimed in any one of Claims 2-36, wherein the power source (105) is a galvanic cell.

38. The edible electronic device (101) as claimed in Claim 37, wherein the galvanic cell comprises an electrolyte, a cathode, an anode, a terminal connected to the cathode and a terminal connected to the anode.

39. The edible electronic device (101) as claimed in Claim 38, wherein the electrolyte is present in a carrier.

40. The edible electronic device (101) as claimed in Claim 39, wherein the carrier is solid or gel.

41. The edible electronic device (101) as claimed in Claim 39 or 40, wherein the carrier is pectin, gelatin, isomalt, sugarin, sugar paper, or a combination thereof.

42. The edible electronic device (101) as claimed in any one of Claims 38-41, wherein the electrolyte, the cathode, and the anode are contained in a gelatin capsule comprising a sugarin coating.

43. The edible electronic device (101) as claimed in any one of Claims 38-42, wherein the electrolyte is selected from the group consisting of lemon extract, orange extract, a potato extract, gastric juice, citric acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, oxalic acid, fumaric acid, succinic acid and a combination thereof.

44. The edible electronic device (101) as claimed in any one of Claims 38-43, wherein the cathode is selected from the group consisting of copper, silver, and iron.

45. The edible electronic device (101) as claimed in any one of Claims 38-44, wherein the anode is selected from the group consisting of zinc, magnesium, aluminium, and sodium.

46. The edible electronic device (101) as claimed in any one of Claims 38-45, wherein the terminal connected to the cathode and the terminal connected to the anode comprise silver or other edible conductors.

47. A system (100) comprising the edible electronic device (101) as claimed in any one of Claims 1-46 and an external transceiver unit (201).

48. The system (100) as claimed in Claim 47, wherein the external transceiver unit (201) comprises a sine wave generator (202), a field coil (203), and a pick-up coil (204).

49. The system (100) as claimed in Claim 47 or 48, wherein the sine wave generator (202) generates a sine wave having a frequency of about 2 to 10 KHz.

50. A method for detecting a parameter in a subject, comprising: a. placing the external transceiver unit (201) of the system (100) as claimed in any one of Claims 47-49 on the subject; b. activating the sine wave generator (202) of the external transceiver unit (201) to drive a sinusoidal current through the field coil (203) or apply a sinusoidal voltage across the field coil (203) allowing the field coil (203) to transmit a sinusoidal signal; c. providing the edible electronic device (101) to the subject, wherein the signal transceiver (102) of the edible electronic device (101) relays the sinusoidal signal generated by the field coil (203) to the pick-up coil (204) or relays a distorted signal caused by exposure of sensor(s) (104) of the edible electronic device (101) to gastrointestinal track of the subject; and d. measuring frequency components of the distorted signal.

51. The method as claimed in Claim 50, wherein the parameter is selected from pH, internal bleeding, acidity, pathogen causing an infection or a combination thereof.