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Gao X, Li J, Li J, Zhang M, Xu J. Pain-free oral delivery of biologic drugs using intestinal peristalsis-actuated microneedle robots. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadj7067. [PMID: 38181085 PMCID: PMC10776013 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adj7067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
Biologic drugs hold immense promise for medical treatments, but their oral delivery remains a daunting challenge due to the harsh digestive environment and restricted gastrointestinal absorption. Here, inspired by the porcupinefish's ability to inflate itself and deploy its spines for defense, we proposed an intestinal microneedle robot designed to absorb intestinal fluids for rapid inflation and inject drug-loaded microneedles into the insensate intestinal wall for drug delivery. Upon reaching the equilibrium volume, the microneedle robot leverages rhythmic peristaltic contraction for mucosa penetration. The robot's barbed microneedles can then detach from its body during peristaltic relaxation and retain in the mucosa for drug releasing. Extensive in vivo experiments involving 14 minipigs confirmed the effectiveness of the intestinal peristalsis for microrobot actuation and demonstrated comparable insulin delivery efficacy to subcutaneous injection. The ingestible peristalsis-actuated microneedle robots may transform the oral administration of biologic drugs that primary relies on parenteral injection currently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xize Gao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Jiacong Li
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Mingjun Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Jing Xu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
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Straker MA, Levy JA, Stine JM, Borbash V, Beardslee LA, Ghodssi R. Freestanding region-responsive bilayer for functional packaging of ingestible devices. MICROSYSTEMS & NANOENGINEERING 2023; 9:61. [PMID: 37206701 PMCID: PMC10188515 DOI: 10.1038/s41378-023-00536-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Ingestible capsules have the potential to become an attractive alternative to traditional means of treating and detecting gastrointestinal (GI) disease. As device complexity increases, so too does the demand for more effective capsule packaging technologies to elegantly target specific GI locations. While pH-responsive coatings have been traditionally used for the passive targeting of specific GI regions, their application is limited due to the geometric restrictions imposed by standard coating methods. Dip, pan, and spray coating methods only enable the protection of microscale unsupported openings against the harsh GI environment. However, some emerging technologies have millimeter-scale components for performing functions such as sensing and drug delivery. To this end, we present the freestanding region-responsive bilayer (FRRB), a packaging technology for ingestible capsules that can be readily applied for various functional ingestible capsule components. The bilayer is composed of rigid polyethylene glycol (PEG) under a flexible pH-responsive Eudragit® FL 30 D 55, which protects the contents of the capsule until it arrives in the targeted intestinal environment. The FRRB can be fabricated in a multitude of shapes that facilitate various functional packaging mechanisms, some of which are demonstrated here. In this paper, we characterize and validate the use of this technology in a simulated intestinal environment, confirming that the FRRB can be tuned for small intestinal release. We also show a case example where the FRRB is used to protect and expose a thermomechanical actuator for targeted drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A. Straker
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742 USA
- Institute for Systems Research, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20740 USA
- Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20850 USA
| | - Joshua A. Levy
- Institute for Systems Research, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20740 USA
- Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20850 USA
- Department of Material Science and Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20740 USA
| | - Justin M. Stine
- Institute for Systems Research, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20740 USA
- Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20850 USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742 USA
| | - Vivian Borbash
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742 USA
| | - Luke A. Beardslee
- Institute for Systems Research, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20740 USA
| | - Reza Ghodssi
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742 USA
- Institute for Systems Research, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20740 USA
- Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20850 USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742 USA
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Sokolis DP. Experimental study and biomechanical characterization for the passive small intestine: Identification of regional differences. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2017; 74:93-105. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2017.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2017] [Revised: 05/11/2017] [Accepted: 05/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Li P, Kreikemeier-Bower C, Xie W, Kothari V, Terry BS. Design of a Wireless Medical Capsule for Measuring the Contact Pressure Between a Capsule and the Small Intestine. J Biomech Eng 2017; 139:2612940. [DOI: 10.1115/1.4036260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
A wireless medical capsule for measuring the contact pressure between a mobile capsule and the small intestine lumen was developed. Two pressure sensors were used to measure and differentiate the contact pressure and the small intestine intraluminal pressure. After in vitro tests of the capsule, it was surgically placed and tested in the proximal small intestine of a pig model. The capsule successfully gathered and transmitted the pressure data to a receiver outside the body. The measured pressure signals in the animal test were analyzed in the time and frequency domains, and a mathematic model was presented to describe the different factors influencing the contact pressure. A novel signal processing method was applied to isolate the contraction information from the contact pressure. The result shows that the measured contact pressure was 1.08 ± 0.08 kPa, and the small intestine contraction pressure's amplitude and rate were 0.29 ± 0.046 kPa and 12 min−1. Moreover, the amplitudes and rates of pressure from respiration and heartbeat were also estimated. The successful preliminary evaluation of this capsule implies that it could be used in further systematic investigation of small intestine contact pressure on a mobile capsule-shaped bolus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengbo Li
- Mechanical and Material Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, W342 Nebraska Hall, Lincoln, NE 68588-0526 e-mail:
| | | | - Wanchuan Xie
- Mechanical and Material Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, W342 Nebraska Hall, Lincoln, NE 68588-0526
| | - Vishal Kothari
- Department of Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Nebraska Medicine—Bariatrics Center 4400 Emile Street, Omaha, NE 68198
| | - Benjamin S. Terry
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 360 Walter Scott Engineering Center, Lincoln, NE 68508
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Francisco MM, Terry BS, Schoen JA, Rentschler ME. Intestinal Manometry Force Sensor for Robotic Capsule Endoscopy: An Acute, Multipatient In vivo Animal and Human Study. IEEE Trans Biomed Eng 2016; 63:943-951. [DOI: 10.1109/tbme.2015.2479607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Slawinski PR, Obstein KL, Valdastri P. Capsule endoscopy of the future: What's on the horizon? World J Gastroenterol 2015; 21:10528-41. [PMID: 26457013 PMCID: PMC4588075 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v21.i37.10528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2015] [Revised: 06/22/2015] [Accepted: 08/31/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Capsule endoscopes have evolved from passively moving diagnostic devices to actively moving systems with potential therapeutic capability. In this review, we will discuss the state of the art, define the current shortcomings of capsule endoscopy, and address research areas that aim to overcome said shortcomings. Developments in capsule mobility schemes are emphasized in this text, with magnetic actuation being the most promising endeavor. Research groups are working to integrate sensor data and fuse it with robotic control to outperform today's standard invasive procedures, but in a less intrusive manner. With recent advances in areas such as mobility, drug delivery, and therapeutics, we foresee a translation of interventional capsule technology from the bench-top to the clinical setting within the next 10 years.
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Slawinski PR, Obstein KL, Valdastri P. Emerging Issues and Future Developments in Capsule Endoscopy. TECHNIQUES IN GASTROINTESTINAL ENDOSCOPY 2015; 17:40-46. [PMID: 26028956 PMCID: PMC4445887 DOI: 10.1016/j.tgie.2015.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Capsule endoscopy (CE) has transformed from a research venture into a widely used clinical tool and the primary means for diagnosing small bowel pathology. These orally administered capsules traverse passively through the gastrointestinal tract via peristalsis and are used in the esophagus, stomach, small bowel, and colon. The primary focus of CE research in recent years has been enabling active CE manipulation and extension of the technology to therapeutic functionality; thus, widening the scope of the procedure. This review outlines clinical standards of the technology as well as recent advances in CE research. Clinical capsule applications are discussed with respect to each portion of the gastrointestinal tract. Promising research efforts are presented with an emphasis on enabling active capsule locomotion. The presented studies suggest, in particular, that the most viable solution for active capsule manipulation is actuation of a capsule via exterior permanent magnet held by a robot. Developing capsule procedures adhering to current healthcare standards, such as enabling a tool channel or irrigation in a therapeutic device, is a vital phase in the adaptation of CE in the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr R. Slawinski
- STORM Lab, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235-1592, USA
| | - Keith L. Obstein
- STORM Lab, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235-1592, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37235-1592, USA
| | - Pietro Valdastri
- STORM Lab, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235-1592, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37235-1592, USA
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Slawinski PR, Oleynikov D, Terry BS. Intestinal biomechanics simulator for robotic capsule endoscope validation. J Med Eng Technol 2014; 39:54-9. [PMID: 25367667 DOI: 10.3109/03091902.2014.973619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
This work describes the development and validation of a novel device which simulates important forces experienced by Robotic Capsule Endoscopes (RCE) in vivo in the small intestine. The purpose of the device is to expedite and lower the cost of RCE development. Currently, there is no accurate in vitro test method nor apparatus to validate new RCE designs; therefore, RCEs are tested in vivo at a cost of ∼$1400 per swine test. The authors have developed an in vitro RCE testing device which generates two peristaltic waves to accurately simulate the two biomechanical actions of the human small intestine that are most relevant to RCE locomotion: traction force and contact force. The device was successfully calibrated to match human physiological ranges for traction force (4-40 gf), contact force (80-500 gf) and peristaltic wave propagation speed (0.08-2 cm s(-1)) for a common RCE capsule geometry of 3.5 cm length and 1.5 cm diameter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr R Slawinski
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Nebraska Hall , Lincoln , USA and
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Chen W, Ke Q, He S, Luo W, Ji XC, Yan G. Experimental research on anchoring force in intestine for the motion of capsule robot. J Med Eng Technol 2013; 37:334-41. [PMID: 23795696 DOI: 10.3109/03091902.2013.812688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Wenwen Chen
- 820 Institute, Department of Instrument Science and Engineering, School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, PR China.
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