NEW DELHI – Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, in collaboration with the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), have developed a micro-device to collect bacterial samples. This swallowable device, smaller than a grain of rice, targets the small intestine.
This innovation offers a direct method for sampling microorganisms from the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract, a region previously difficult to access non-invasively.
Device Mechanism and Precision
The device is designed for ingestion. It remains inactive during its passage through the stomach, preventing premature sample collection. Its activation occurs upon reaching the small intestine.
Once activated, the micro-device opens to collect bacteria and other biological markers from that precise location. After acquiring samples, the device self-seals. This mechanism prevents contamination and maintains sample integrity as it exits the body.
Overcoming Diagnostic Challenges
Current methods for studying gut bacteria have limitations. Invasive procedures, such as endoscopy, require medical intervention and carry risks. Indirect methods, like stool tests, offer less accurate representation of the small intestine’s microbial environment.
IIT Delhi states its new device provides more accurate information. It allows identification of microorganisms down to the species level. This precision surpasses stool samples, which primarily reflect the lower GI tract.
Sarvesh Kumar Srivastava, principal investigator at IIT Delhi’s Medical Microdevices and Diagnostics Laboratory, emphasized the need for exploring the human body’s complex internal microbial ecosystems. He noted such small-scale devices are essential tools for internal exploration.
Implications for Health and Treatment
Direct sampling from the small intestine offers benefits for medical diagnostics. Understanding specific microorganisms and biochemicals in this region can improve healthcare outcomes.
Samagra Agarwal of AIIMS, New Delhi, highlighted three key areas. The device aids in early disease detection. It supports effective monitoring of chronic conditions. The detailed microbial data enables development of targeted treatments.
The small intestine plays a central role in digestion, absorption, and immune function. Data from this region provides insights into various health issues, from digestive disorders to systemic diseases.
Research Status and Funding
The research team has filed a patent for this technology. Development included successful testing and validation of a prototype device in animal models.
The prototype used was no larger than a grain of rice. The research findings have been published in a peer-reviewed journal.
The study, titled “A Small Pill-like Ingestible Microdevice for Site-specific Microbiome Sampling in the Upper GI Tract,” appeared in the international journal ‘Small’. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) funded this project.
This development offers a less invasive, more precise tool for gut microbiome research. It may transform how doctors diagnose and treat gut-related health problems.