'Chemical' chip could control our bodies

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LINKOPING, Sweden, May 30 (UPI) -- Researchers in Sweden say an electronic circuit based on chemistry could control and regulate the signal paths of cells in the human body.

The chip is based on ion "transistors" for transport of both positive and negative ions, as well as charged biomolecules, rather than moving electrons as in conventional electronic circuits, Linkoping University reported Tuesday.

The chemical chip can thus control the delivery of neurotransmitters, allowing chemical control of muscles, researchers said.

"We can, for example, send out signals to muscle synapses where the signaling system may not work for some reason. We know our chip works with common signaling substances, for example acetylcholine," Magnus Berggren, a professor of organic electronics and leader of the research group, said.

An advantage of chemical circuits is that the charge carrier in the circuit consists of chemical substances with various functions in the body, researchers said, opening up possibilities of treating certain physical conditions.