Ingestible GI Microbiome Sampling for Targeted Antimicrobial Delivery
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods and devices for gastrointestinal (GI) tract microbiome analysis are limited in their ability to provide regio-specific sampling and personalized treatment strategies for gastrointestinal disorders, particularly for conditions like small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), due to inadequate sampling techniques and lack of targeted antimicrobial delivery.
Innovation Solution
The development of ingestible devices capable of sampling specific regions of the GI tract, analyzing the microbiome, and delivering antimicrobial agents like meropenem or ceftriaxone directly to targeted locations within the GI tract, allowing for personalized treatment regimens based on microbial susceptibility testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional microbiome analysis methods are used, then general microbiome composition can be determined, but regio-specific sampling and personalized treatment cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The GI tract is divided into multiple discrete regions (stomach, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, colon) with separate sampling and treatment capabilities. The ingestible device can selectively target and sample specific regions, enabling region-specific microbiome analysis and personalized treatment strategies for each anatomical location.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the GI tract receive customized antimicrobial treatments based on their specific microbiome characteristics. The device delivers region-specific probiotics and antimicrobials tailored to the local microbial composition and patient needs, rather than applying a uniform treatment throughout the entire GI tract.
2Quantity of substance
If broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents are administered, then general bacterial reduction can be achieved, but targeted treatment of specific pathogenic bacteria cannot be realized
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary microbiome sampling and analysis before administering antimicrobial agents. This preliminary characterization of the microbiome composition allows identification of specific pathogenic bacteria present, enabling subsequent targeted treatment with appropriate antimicrobials rather than empirical broad-spectrum therapy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses real-time microbiome monitoring to guide antimicrobial therapy. By continuously analyzing microbiome composition and responding to changes, the system can adjust treatment based on treatment response and microbiome evolution, ensuring targeted effectiveness while minimizing resistance development.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to gastrointestinal (Gl) tract microbiome detection and manipulation devices, systems, and methods. The determination of antimicrobial susceptibility of a micro-organism within the gastrointestinal tract involves identifying an antimicrobial agent that inhibits the growth of the micro-organism has been disclosed, which has been obtained from a sample having been removed from an ingestible device that retrieved the sample from the Gl tract of the subject. A test to identify the micro-organism can be included. Treatment methods related to small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), a SIBO-related condition, or symptomology suggestive of SIBO in a subject in need thereof, involving orally administering an effective amount of a pharmaceutical formulation comprising an antimicrobial agent to the subject are also disclosed.