Precision-guided gastrointestinal therapy: a cheek-tethered capsule approach for targeted IBD disease treatment

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affects millions of adults, significantly impairing quality of life and posing substantial challenges in diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment. Current methods for assessing and treating IBD have significant limitations, including invasive procedures, lack of localized monitoring, and suboptimal drug delivery. This project aims to develop a novel tethered capsule system for precise, prolonged localization within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, enabling site-specific monitoring and targeted therapy delivery for IBD. The long-term goal is to revolutionize IBD management through this minimally invasive platform. The project will pursue three specific aims: (1) Design and fabricate a tethered capsule system optimized for prolonged GI retention, (2) Design and evaluate a cheek anchoring and release system, and (3) Evaluate the localization and retention capabilities of the system in a synthetic model. The research will employ innovative approaches, including a novel tethered odometry mechanism for precise positioning, an auto-halting navigation system, and a biocompatible, degradable tether. The project will use advanced mechanical design, materials science, and gastroenterology to develop and test the system. Expected outcomes include a fully functional prototype capable of maintaining localization within 2 cm of target sites for 12 hours under simulated GI conditions. This technology has the potential to transform IBD management by enabling continuous, site-specific monitoring and targeted drug delivery, potentially improving treatment efficacy, reducing systemic side effects, and decreasing healthcare costs associated with IBD. This research aligns with the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering's mission to develop innovative technologies improving human health. It suits the R15 Academic Research Enhancement Award (AREA) mechanism, which stimulates research in institutions without major NIH support. Conducted at Brigham Young University, a primarily undergraduate institution, the project will provide valuable research opportunities for students in biomedical engineering and related fields. Students will gain skills in medical device development, data analysis, and scientific communication through hands-on involvement. The project's multidisciplinary nature will foster cross-departmental collaborations, strengthening the university's research environment and capacity for biomedical research. Its focus on mentoring undergraduate students aligns with the R15 program's goal of preparing a workforce for national biomedical, behavioral, and clinical research needs.