Ingestible Sampling Capsule for Non-Invasive Gut Microbiota Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies are inadequate for effectively sampling and characterizing the gastrointestinal microbiome due to the inaccessibility of the gut, with existing methods being invasive, impractical for repeated use, or unable to provide localized microbiota community content, leading to limited understanding of bacterial roles in health and disease.
Innovation Solution
A capsulized device system comprising a hollow inner capsule with ports for sample collection and a hydrophobic, acid-resistant elastomeric filament, along with a hydrophilic strut for tensioning, is designed to be swallowed and passed through the intestinal tract, allowing for the collection of liquid and semi-liquid samples while maintaining a sealed environment for analysis, and optionally releasing substances into the gut.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If endoscopy/colonoscopy instruments are used to view and treat visible damage, then visible inspection capability is improved, but accessibility to unexplored sections of intestines remains limited and sample collection from those sections becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible capsule shell that can navigate through the gastrointestinal tract to reach unexplored sections. The thin-film structure allows the device to pass through narrow and tortuous intestinal passages while maintaining its integrity for sample collection in previously inaccessible areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The capsule device is designed to autonomously navigate and collect samples without requiring external control or intervention. The self-service mechanism allows the device to reach unexplored sections and perform sampling independently, overcoming the limitation of difficult accessibility.
2Ease of operation
If camera pill is used for swallowed inspection throughout intestinal tract, then ease of operation is improved, but sample collection capability remains insufficient for scientific analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the inspection function of the camera pill with sample collection capabilities in a single integrated device. The capsule combines imaging components with sampling mechanisms, allowing both visualization and collection of microbiota samples from the same unexplored sections of the intestine.
Solution Approach 2:
The capsule device is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as an inspection tool (camera) and a sample collection device. This universal design allows the swallowed pill to perform multiple scientific functions including imaging, sampling, and potential treatment delivery.
3Ease of manufacture
If invasive sampling methods are used to collect microbiota samples, then sample collection capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complexity and impracticality for repeated use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable capsule design that is inexpensive and intended for single use. Each capsule is a low-cost, short-lived device that is swallowed, performs its sampling function, and is then discarded with the feces. This approach enables repeated sampling over time without the complexity and cost of recovering or sterilizing equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The capsule performs the entire sampling process autonomously without requiring invasive procedures or complex retrieval mechanisms. The device self-services by navigating to the target location, collecting samples, and being naturally expelled, making the process simple and suitable for repeated use.
Data Source
AI summary
A non-invasive system for sampling gastrointestinal microbiota with their associated environment for discovery, characterization, medical research, diagnostics, and treatment using an ingestible, non-digestible sampling capsule. The capsule device, with ports open for acquiring a sample of gastrointestinal microbiota and content, is placed inside an immediate or delayed release capsule. When the outer capsule dissolves according to its specifications, enteric fluid and content enters the sampling capsule through the ports triggering a hydrophilic stop to release a pulling force to close the ports by enveloping the capsule outer casing over the inner casing, capturing the sample, and holding it sealed until it completes passage through the digestive track, and is recovered from feces for analysis.