“Capscan” for Small Intestine Sampling
“The device consists of a polymer shell which contains a collapsed fluid-collection bladder. When the capsule is ingested and reaches the small intestine, a pH-sensitive coating on the device dissolves, exposing an integrated one-way valve. That valve allows digestive fluid to be drawn into the capsule’s bladder, expanding it in the process. Once the bladder is full, the valve keeps it from collecting any other liquids lower down in the digestive tract. When the single-use capsule is subsequently passed with the feces, it’s retrieved and its contents are analyzed. And importantly, by tweaking the coating’s pH sensitivity to make it dissolve at different acidity levels, it’s possible to dictate where fluids are collected within the small intestine.” MORE
Image Credit: HealthLEADS