GI Sampling Capsule With Hydrogel Sealing for Sample Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gastrointestinal sampling methods, such as colonoscopy and gastroscopy, are invasive and limited to specific sections of the GI tract, while existing passive sampling devices lack the ability to seal and protect collected samples, are complex, or require a string for retrieval, causing discomfort. Active devices face issues with battery size and safety risks.

Innovation Solution

A capsule with a cavity, sampling aperture, and absorbent hydrogel that expands to seal the aperture, using a biodegradable coating for targeted sampling and a sealing member to maintain sample integrity, allowing for non-invasive, compact, and safe sampling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If invasive sampling methods like colonoscopy and gastroscopy are used, then sample collection capability is improved, but patient comfort deteriorates and procedure complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample collection capabilityVSAvoidpatient comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The capsule performs sampling automatically through its own hydrogel absorption mechanism without requiring external manipulation or active components. The hydrogel passively absorbs sample fluid through the sampling aperture when it contacts GI tract contents, eliminating the need for batteries, motors, or complex control systems that would compromise patient comfort and device simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If passive sampling devices are used, then patient comfort is improved, but sample protection and sealing capability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient comfortVSAvoidsample protection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing member transitions from an unengaged state to an engaged state with the sampling aperture based on the swelling status of the hydrogel. When the hydrogel absorbs sample fluid and swells, it mechanically pushes the sealing member to seal the aperture, providing dynamic sample protection only when needed while maintaining patient comfort throughout the procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If active sampling devices with batteries are used, then sampling functionality is improved, but device safety and simplicity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesampling functionalityVSAvoiddevice simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces active mechanical or electrical sampling systems with a passive hydrogel-based absorption system. The hydrogel's natural swelling behavior when exposed to aqueous environments provides the sampling mechanism, eliminating the need for batteries, motors, or electronic controls that would increase device complexity and safety risks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If sampling devices require retrieval strings are used, then sample collection is improved, but patient comfort and procedure simplicity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample collectionVSAvoidprocedure simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the retrieval string mechanism entirely from the system. The capsule is designed to be naturally excreted with the sample securely contained within the sealed capsule body, eliminating the need for string attachment, manual retrieval procedures, or complex retrieval mechanisms that would compromise patient comfort and procedure simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 capsule effectively collects and preserves microbial samples and proteins like calprotectin for analysis, maintaining sample viability and protecting against harsh GI environments, with a simple design that ensures patient comfort and ease of retrieval.

Implementation Method 1

a sampling hydrogel positioned inside the cavity. Upon exposure to a sample fluid, the sampling hydrogel is configured to absorb the sample fluid, expand within the cavity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

the sampling hydrogel is configured to absorb the sample fluid, expand within the cavity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOsmosis: Osmosis

Implementation Method 3

A solution casted enteric coating covers the sampling aperture and degradation of the enteric coating exposes the sampling aperture to permit flow into the cavity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBiodegradation: Decomposition (biological)

Data Source

PatentUS12514569B2Capsule for gastrointestinal sampling

Publication Date: 2026.01.06 ELI LILLY & CO

AI summary

Passive devices for non-invasive gastrointestinal (GI) sampling are disclosed. In some embodiments, a device includes a capsule housing containing an absorbent sampling hydrogel. The capsule may be ingested by a patient and subsequently travel through the GI tract. Once the capsule reaches a desired location in the GI tract, GI fluid may flow into the capsule through a sampling aperture of the capsule. The fluid may be absorbed by and stored within the sampling hydrogel for subsequent analysis, and the absorption of the fluid may cause the sampling hydrogel to expand within the capsule. The capsule may further include a sealing member positioned between the sampling hydrogel and the sampling aperture, and the expansion of the sampling hydrogel may press the sealing member against the sampling aperture to seal the capsule.