Smart Pill Explores Human Gut Without Probes

A groundbreaking swallowable 'smart pill' is set to transform the study of the human gut microbiome. Developed by researchers at IIT Delhi and AIIMS New Delhi, this device can collect biological samples directly from the intestine without invasive procedures like endoscopy. This innovation is poised to offer a more accurate understanding of the gut ecosystem, which profoundly influences digestion, immunity, metabolism, and mental health. The pill has successfully undergone experiments in rats and is preparing for human trials.

The smart pill, funded by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), is designed to travel naturally through the digestive system. It autonomously collects site-specific samples from the intestine, including the challenging-to-access small bowel, and is then naturally expelled. Researchers demonstrated that this process causes no injury and requires no external guidance, marking a significant leap in minimally invasive diagnostic technology. Findings were published in the Wiley Online Library.

Utilizing nanopore sequencing, the technology can identify gut microbes down to the species level, offering a precision previously unattainable with conventional methods. This advancement holds immense potential for diagnosing and monitoring conditions such as malabsorption, unexplained abdominal pain, chronic diarrhea, and metabolic diseases. Experts anticipate it could pave the way for personalized therapies by distinguishing disease subtypes with similar symptoms but different microbial signatures, reducing reliance on invasive testing for patients needing repeated monitoring.