A Wireless Electrochemical Stimulator and Impedance Spectroscopy Device for Osseointegration Monitoring

Titanium implants designed for osseointegration can fail due to implant-associated infections (IAIs). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is a technique used to monitor osseointegration and diagnose infections, while cathodic voltage-controlled electrical stimulation (CVCES) can treat infections and promote bone growth. This article describes the design and validation of a low-cost, portable, wireless electrochemical sensor, and stimulator (PWESS) for in vivo studies. The PWESS can perform CVCES at voltages down to −1.9 V and measure current across a 60 dB range using a variable gain amplifier. It can also conduct EIS from 50 MHz to 10 kHz, drawing only 5.7 mA of current. A tissue analog chamber is used to validate the PWESS’s performance against a commercial EIS device and demonstrate its ability to differentiate between tissues while performing CVCES. The PWESS is intended for long-term in vivo studies to monitor osseointegration and evaluate the effectiveness of CVCES in treating infections and promoting bone growth.