Gas sensor nanocomposite membranes

Fecha de publicación: 27/10/2022
Fuente: WIPO Meat
A gas permeable, liquid impermeable membrane for use with gas sensors in which the membrane consists of a film forming polymer which incorporates one or more nanoparticles selected to improve one or more of the following the permeability to gases, to selectively impede or exclude permeation by some gases while facilitating the passage of selected gases through the membrane, to inhibit microbial growth on the membrane. The membranes are useful in capsules adapted to be introduced into the stomach and G1 tract of a mammal which consists of a capsule shaped container consisting of a wall material capable of being bio compatible with the G1 tract and being adapted to protect the electronic and sensor devices contained in the capsule. The capsule contains gas composition sensors, pressure and temperature sensors, a micro controller, a power source and a wireless transmission device. The microprocessor is programmed to receive data signals from the sensors and convert the signals into gas composition and concentration data and temperature and pressure data suitable for transmission to an external computing device. The capsule wall incorporates gas permeable nano-composite membranes with embedded catalytic and nano void producing nanoparticles which enhance the operation, selectivity and sensitivity of the gas sensors. The nanoscomposite membranes also reduce the risk of microorganism colonization on the surface that increases the life time of the capsule.