The pill has the potential to advance research on the relationship between resident bacteria and a wide range of health conditions. (Credit: Tufts University)

A small device, about the size of a vitamin pill, can be swallowed and passed through the gastrointestinal tract to sample the full inventory of microorganisms in an individual’s gastro-intestinal tract. The device has the potential to advance research on the relationship between resident bacteria and a wide range of health conditions. It could also serve as a diagnostic tool for adjusting the microbiome or administering drugs to treat those conditions.

The device has completed preclinical characterization, paving the way for upcoming human clinical trials. It is characterized by a 3D printed soft elastic exterior with sidewall inlets that open in response to the changing acidity as the pill reaches the small intestine. The pill uses elastic microvalves with swellable polyacrylate beads that close the inlets once intestinal content has been collected.

Improvements over previous versions of the pill include using a soft elastic exterior rather than a rigid shell, to make it easier to ingest, and significantly improved control over localized sampling of the microbiome in the small intestine.

Source 

Topics:
Ingestibles and Lab-on-a-Chip Medical Product Development

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