1. An ingestible, battery-free, tissue-adhering robotic interface for non-invasive and chronic electrostimulation of the gut
- Author
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Kewang Nan, Kiwan Wong, Dengfeng Li, Binbin Ying, James C. McRae, Vivian R. Feig, Shubing Wang, Ningjie Du, Yuelong Liang, Qijiang Mao, Enjie Zhou, Yonglin Chen, Lei Sang, Kuanming Yao, Jingkun Zhou, Jian Li, Joshua Jenkins, Keiko Ishida, Johannes Kuosmanen, Wiam Abdalla Mohammed Madani, Alison Hayward, Khalil B. Ramadi, Xinge Yu, and Giovanni Traverso
- Subjects
Science - Abstract
Abstract Ingestible electronics have the capacity to transform our ability to effectively diagnose and potentially treat a broad set of conditions. Current applications could be significantly enhanced by addressing poor electrode-tissue contact, lack of navigation, short dwell time, and limited battery life. Here we report the development of an ingestible, battery-free, and tissue-adhering robotic interface (IngRI) for non-invasive and chronic electrostimulation of the gut, which addresses challenges associated with contact, navigation, retention, and powering (C-N-R-P) faced by existing ingestibles. We show that near-field inductive coupling operating near 13.56 MHz was sufficient to power and modulate the IngRI to deliver therapeutically relevant electrostimulation, which can be further enhanced by a bio-inspired, hydrogel-enabled adhesive interface. In swine models, we demonstrated the electrical interaction of IngRI with the gastric mucosa by recording conductive signaling from the subcutaneous space. We further observed changes in plasma ghrelin levels, the “hunger hormone,” while IngRI was activated in vivo, demonstrating its clinical potential in regulating appetite and treating other endocrine conditions. The results of this study suggest that concepts inspired by soft and wireless skin-interfacing electronic devices can be applied to ingestible electronics with potential clinical applications for evaluating and treating gastrointestinal conditions.
- Published
- 2024
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