Researchers Create First-Ever Ingestible Capsule To Regulate Appetite
The regulation of physiological features like feeding and emotional behaviour are done by the gut-brain axis.
The first-ever ingestible capsule to control appetite could be available in the near-future. A team of researchers at NYU Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) have created the first-of-its-kind ingestible electroceutical device to control appetite my modulating hormones that dictate the gut-brain axis. The non-invasive method could be used to modulate hunger levels while opening up new avenues to treat metabolic and neurologic diseases.
The capsule was developed in collaboration with MIT scientists and the research paper outlining the same was published in the journal Science Robotics. How does this capsule work? The system, called FLASH, utilises electrodes on its surface to deliver electrical stimulation to stomach mucosal tissue.
The regulation of physiological features like feeding and emotional behaviour are done by the gut-brain axis. Current methods to modulate the axis are dependent on medicines and surgical intervention. Such methods are not always precise and are associated with high risks.
NYU Abu Dhabi
How does FLASH work?
The FLASH device was inspired by the water-wicking skin of Moloch horridus, the Australian thorny devil lizard. The device features a fluid-wicking capsule coating with grooved patterns and water-compatible surface. This allows the capsule to bypass the gastric fluid in the stomach and enable direct electrode-tissue contact.
"Electroceuticals, or electrical stimulation therapies, have emerged as the next frontier of neuromodulation. FLASH is one of the first ingestible electroceutical that can regulate precise neurohormonal circuits, while avoiding the discomfort patients can experience with invasive treatments. Future ingestible electroceutical systems could be designed and customised for specific applications beyond acute, short-term gastric stimulation," said Professor Khalil Ramadi, Director of the Laboratory for Advanced Neuroengineering and Translational Medicine, who led the study.
Also read: Scientists Discover An 'Anxiety Gene,' Along With A Way To Turn It Off
Oral ingestion of the FLASH capsule was able to modulate levels of ghrelin hormone, the hormone that stimulates hunger. The paper outlining FLASH is titled "Bioinspired, fluid-wicking, ingestible electroceutical capsules for hunger-regulating hormone modulation" and was published on April 26.
The FLASH capsules are swallowed, deliver stimulation to the stomach, and then are excreted safely. The capsules are powered by ingestible batteries capable of delivering stimulation for 20 minutes. In large animals, the capsule will be excreted within two weeks.
Giancarlo Traverso (GT Reel Productions)
Also read: Powering Medical Devices From Within: Scientists Turn Blood Sugar Into Electricity
The capsule will able to target gastric neurohormonal circuits and modulate hormone levels in the blood and may be eventually used to treat metabolic, feeding, gastrointestinal, and neuropsychiatric disorders without surgery, SciTechDaily reported.
What do you think about this capsule? Let us know in the comments below. For more in the world of technology and science, keep reading Indiatimes.com.
I live for all-things-technology - gadgets, novel climate solutions, and startups that are changing the game. In my leisurely hours, you can find me binge watching science fiction films, writing poetry, or dancing to pop anthems.
Read More