Wireless in-body sensing through genetically engineered bacteria
This talk introduces a class of wireless implantable sensors that integrate genetically engineered cells capable of detecting specific molecules for continuous monitoring. While synthetic biology enables cells to sense molecular targets, wireless communication of this information remains a challenge. Electromagnetic (EM) waves at cellular-scale wavelengths are strongly attenuated in tissue, necessitating centimeter-scale wavelengths for in-body links. Aligning cellular responses with these longer EM wavelengths enables effective interaction.
In this talk, the response of Escherichia Coli is harnessed to trigger the controlled degradation of a passive microwave antenna, which is then monitored via backscatter communication. This approach converts cellular activity into detectable EM signals, eliminating the need for batteries or circuits. We demonstrate a wireless link between a passive, cell-based sensor in a human body phantom and an external receiver, achieving molecular-level sensing at 25 mm implant depth. Future implementations could couple bacterial responses to diverse molecular targets.
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- Starts 08 April 2026 02:00 PM UTC
- Ends 16 April 2026 06:00 AM UTC
- No Admission Charge
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Dr. Sema Dumanli of Bogazici University
Wireless in-body sensing through genetically engineered bacteria
Biography:
She was with Toshiba Research Europe, Bristol, as a Research Engineer and a Senior Research Engineer from 2010 to 2017. She is currently an Associate Professor at Bogazici University, Istanbul. She is the founder and the director of Antennas and Propagation Research Laboratory (BOUNtenna) and Bioelectromagnetics Laboratory (AntennAlive). Her current research interests include antenna design for implantable and wearable devices, in-body sensor design, biohybrid implants, chipless RF-ID sensors and multi-scale communications.
Dr Dumanli is the recipient of Science Academy’s Young Scientist Award (BAGEP) 2025, the IEEE AP-S Lot Shafai Mid-Career Distinguished Achievement Award 2026, the IEEE APS Donald G. Dudley Jr. Undergraduate Teaching Award 2022, and three times recipient of Boğaziçi University, Faculty of Engineering's Excellence in Teaching Award. She currently serves as the chair of IEEE APS/MTT/EMC/ED Turkey Joint Chapter, the vice-chair of the IEEE APS Young Professionals Committee, and the Associate Editor to IEEE AP-S Digital Communications. She is a member of the IEEE AP-S Technical Committee on Health and Medicine, IEEE MTT RFID, Wireless Sensor and IOT Committee and IEEE AP-S Distinguished Lecturer Committee. Dr Dumanli also serves as a board member and the secretary of URSI Turkey and the chair of URSI Turkey Commission K.
Address:Istanbul, Türkiye