ETH Zurich implant oxidizes blood glucose electrically and restores glucose control in diabetic mice
A wirelessly powered implant with platinum-decorated gold nanoclusters converted blood glucose to gluconate in type 2 diabetic mice over six weeks, without drugs.
Researchers at ETH Zurich (Switzerland) described an implantable device that lowers blood glucose electrically, without drugs. The study was published in Science on 22 October 2026. The device, called ECHO (electrocatalytic closed-loop health optimization), was tested in mice with type 2 diabetes and obesity science.org
Sciencescience.orgOpen source ↗. According to the authors, type 2 diabetes and associated obesity affect more than 2.5 billion people worldwide and cost nearly $3 trillion a year in health care.
How the implant works
The device contains platinum-decorated gold nanoclusters embedded in graphite felt. It selectively oxidizes blood glucose to gluconate, which the kidneys clear. The same reaction can be performed by the enzyme glucose oxidase, but here it is catalyzed by the metals. A biocompatible layer, made partly of cellulose and albumin, keeps the metals from escaping into the blood. A radiofrequency transmitter lets the system be powered and activated remotely.
In vitro, the device reduced the glucose level of a solution to a third in two hours at a current of 10 milliamperes. It had no effect on the other sugars, proteins, hormones or drugs that were tested.
Results in mice
The mice were genetically modified to develop obesity and type 2 diabetes. Wireless activation at 0.75 volts and 10 milliamperes restored glucose homeostasis within 1 hour science.org
Sciencescience.orgOpen source ↗. The implant was placed under the skin. It was coupled to a commercial continuous glucose monitoring system and was switched on when a mouse became hyperglycemic, which made the closed-loop management autonomous and smartphone-controlled.
The animals kept the implant for 6 weeks. Their glycemic profile and insulin level were comparable to those of normal mice, and they lost about 10% of their body weight while eating as before. Metabolism shifted from glucose to lipid utilization: body weight and triglycerides fell, while circulating free fatty acids and ketone bodies rose.
The authors report no detectable hypoglycemia and no adverse physiological, inflammatory or behavioral effects during the treatment. There were no signs of tissue damage from electricity or heat. After 6 weeks the implant was removed; it was intact and worked as on the first day. The results were obtained in mice, and human studies are still needed to confirm safety and efficacy.
