Biodegradable Coated Capsule for GI Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies for gastrointestinal sampling are invasive, limited to specific sections of the GI tract, and lack the ability to collect and store samples as they travel through the GI tract, posing challenges in accurately sampling microbial communities, proteins, and biomarkers.
Innovation Solution
A passive sampling device comprising a capsule with a sampling hydrogel that absorbs and stores sample fluid, a biodegradable coating that dissolves at specific pH levels to expose the sampling aperture, and a sealing mechanism to prevent further fluid exchange, allowing for targeted sampling throughout the GI tract.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If invasive sampling methods are used, then sampling accuracy is improved, but patient comfort deteriorates and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule performs sampling automatically as it passes through the GI tract. The hydrogel absorbs fluid through diffusion and capillary action without external control, and the sealing member automatically seals the aperture when the hydrogel expands, eliminating the need for invasive procedures or external control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical invasive sampling devices with a passive chemical/physical system. The hydrogel's absorption properties and the sealing member's mechanical response to expansion create an automated sampling mechanism that eliminates the need for endoscopes or other invasive tools.
2Adaptability or versatility
If sampling occurs throughout the GI tract, then sampling versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule is designed as a universal sampling device that can be administered orally and passively sample at multiple locations throughout the GI tract as it naturally passes through. The single capsule structure performs multiple sampling functions without requiring location-specific devices or complex control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The device dynamically adapts to different locations in the GI tract through the pH-responsive biodegradable coating that dissolves at specific pH levels, allowing the sampling aperture to open at the appropriate location. The hydrogel also dynamically expands upon absorption to seal the aperture, creating a self-regulating system that works throughout the tract.
3Duration of action of moving object
If sample storage capability is added, then sampling duration is improved, but device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling hydrogel is a porous material that absorbs and stores fluid samples through its porous structure. The hydrogel's porosity allows it to take up and retain large volumes of sample fluid relative to its own size, extending sampling duration without significantly increasing the capsule volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrogel undergoes phase transition upon absorbing sample fluid, expanding from a contracted state to an expanded state. This phase change allows the hydrogel to store samples by increasing its volume internally rather than requiring the capsule itself to be larger, effectively extending storage capacity within the same external dimensions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device enables non-invasive, targeted sampling of the GI tract, improving patient comfort and allowing for the collection and storage of samples for subsequent analysis, thereby enhancing the accuracy of disease prediction and diagnosis.
Implementation Method 1
the sampling hydrogel is configured to absorb the sample fluid, expand within the cavity, and store the sample fluid for subsequent analysis
Implementation Method 2
The device further comprises a biodegradable coating covering the sampling aperture. The biodegradable coating comprises a plurality of biodegradable coating layers. Degradation of the plurality of biodegradable coating layers exposes the sampling aperture to permit fluid flow into the cavity
Data Source
AI summary
Passive devices for non-invasive gastrointestinal sampling are disclosed. In some embodiments, a capsule device includes a capsule housing with a sampling aperture and a biodegradable coating that seals the sampling aperture. The biodegradable coating may be disposed within the sampling aperture. The capsule contains an absorbent sampling hydrogel and a sealing member between the sampling hydrogel and the sampling aperture. The capsule is ingested by a patient. Once the capsule reaches a desired location in the gastrointestinal tract, the biodegradable coating dissolves to allow gastrointestinal fluid into the capsule to be absorbed by the sampling hydrogel. Absorption of the fluid causes the sampling hydrogel to expand, thereby pressing the sealing member against the sampling aperture to seal the capsule. In some embodiments, the biodegradable coating may have multiple layers that may dissolve at different locations in the gastrointestinal tract to facilitate targeting of particular locations, for example the colon.