ETH Zurich builds electrocatalytic implant that clears blood sugar, works six weeks in diabetic mice
CurieuxExplorer · x · 2026-10-29
Researchers at ETH Zurich led by Martin Fussenegger built a small wireless implant that uses electricity to break down excess blood sugar, switching off automatically when levels are normal — potentially removing the need for diabetes drugs.
The implant contains a catalyst made of graphite felt coated with tiny gold and platinum particles, with no living cells or drugs. A glucose sensor worn on the arm detects post-meal spikes and signals a phone or smartwatch, which activates the implant. The catalyst converts glucose into gluconate, a harmless compound flushed out in urine, then shuts down once blood sugar returns to target.
In diabetic mice, the device kept blood sugar tightly controlled for six weeks, the animals lost weight, and there were no signs of tissue damage.
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