Ingestible Hydrogel Capsule for High-Resolution Intestinal Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for sampling the gastrointestinal tract, such as stool sampling and rectal swabs, are ineffective in capturing microorganisms from the ileum and jejunum and offer poor spatial resolution.
Innovation Solution
An ingestible device comprising a non-biodegradable, biocompatible container with a hydrogel pre-polymer that polymerizes in situ to absorb intestinal particles, providing high spatial resolution and minimizing cross-contamination by enmeshing microbiome and biomolecules within the hydrogel matrix.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional sampling methods (stool sampling, rectal swabs) are used, then the sampling process is simple, but the ability to capture microorganisms from ileum and jejunum is poor and spatial resolution is low
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the gastrointestinal sampling process by using multiple discrete sampling locations along the intestinal tract. The sampling device is divided into multiple sampling sites that can independently collect samples from different regions (ileum, jejunum, colon), enabling high spatial resolution without requiring a single complex device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary carrier system (capsule containing sampling beads or hydrogel particles) that mediates between the simple oral administration and the complex sampling function. This intermediary structure protects the sampling components during transit and enables them to deploy at target locations, achieving high spatial resolution while maintaining ease of administration.
2Quantity of substance
If hydrogel pre-polymer is used for absorption, then sample uptake capacity increases, but risk of cross-contamination between samples increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrogel sampling system is segmented into multiple independent hydrogel particles or beads, each capable of independent swelling and sampling. This segmentation allows each particle to capture samples independently without cross-contamination, while collectively providing high sample uptake capacity when multiple particles are used.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating hydrogel regions with different properties for different functions: some hydrogel regions are designed for high absorption capacity while maintaining structural integrity, and other regions are designed with barrier properties to prevent cross-contamination. This spatial variation in hydrogel properties resolves the contradiction between uptake capacity and contamination prevention.
3Reliability
If in-situ polymerisation is used, then hydrogel stability and sample enmeshing improve, but control over polymerisation timing and location becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-loading the sampling device with hydrogel precursors and initiators in a stable, non-polymerized state. The actual polymerization is triggered in-situ at the target location by physiological stimuli (pH change, temperature, enzymatic activity). This approach allows the device to be easily handled and positioned before deployment, while achieving stable hydrogel formation with excellent sample enmeshing properties at the desired location.
Solution Approach 2:
The in-situ polymerization system is designed to be self-triggering by utilizing physiological conditions (pH, temperature, enzymes) automatically present in the gastrointestinal tract. The hydrogel precursors and initiators are co-delivered and automatically react under physiological conditions without requiring external control, thus achieving reliable hydrogel formation with sample enmeshing while simplifying control mechanisms.
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 efficiently collects intestinal microbiome and biomolecules from the ileum and jejunum with minimal contamination, allowing for precise sampling and subsequent analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a dry composition of a radical initiator and a hydrogel pre-polymer; effecting polymerisation of the hydrogel pre-polymer to produce a biocompatible hydrogel
Implementation Method 2
upon deployment of the device polymerises in situ and swells, thereby providing for absorption of intestinal particles
Implementation Method 3
dissolving the enteric coating in the jejunum and/or ileum, effecting polymerisation of the hydrogel pre-polymer
Implementation Method 4
absorbing the microbiome present in the vicinity of the container into the hydrogel; enmeshing of intestinal particles such as biomolecules or gut microbiome inside the hydrogel matrix
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an ingestible device for sampling of the gastrointestinal tract. In particular, the device comprises an oral delivery capsule comprising a container having on the inside a hydrogel pre-polymer. The hydrogel prepolymer is capable of polymerising in situ, such as within the gastrointestinal tract, thereby collecting a sample of the gastrointestinal lumen by absorbing the lumen and its contents into the formed hydrogel.