Design and Control of a Dual-Drug-Chamber Drug Delivery Capsule Robot for Multi-Target Drug Delivery

With the advancement of capsule endoscopy technology, the treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) tract diseases has entered a new era. Capsule robots enable the diagnosis and treatment of lesions in a painless and minimally invasive manner. Research on highly controllable Drug Delivery Systems (DDSs) using capsule endoscopy is significant for treating GI tract diseases. Despite the variety and complexity of DDS designs, most systems lack the capability for multi-target drug delivery and simultaneous carriage of multiple drugs. This paper proposes a dual-drug-chamber drug delivery capsule robot (DDCR) that utilizes a single Internal Permanent Magnet (IPM) for both drug delivery and propulsion. The design of the dual-drug-chamber primarily aims to carry one or two drugs simultaneously for treating one or multiple target sites. The proposed DDCR uses a balloon mechanism for drug containment. An external magnetic drive system activates a needle attached to a piston, which punctures the balloon and, thereby, releases the medication. This mechanism ensures rapid and effective coverage of lesions by the drugs. Based on both theoretical and experimental results regarding balloon drug loading and the control distance of the external permanent magnet (EPM) control distance, it was established that a drug load of 0.3 ml per chamber was most suitable for the design, and the feasibility of the dosing method was demonstrated. The size (29mm in length and ~13mm in diameter) of the DDCR was also found to be suitable for biological experiments, including multi-target drug delivery. By continuously adjusting the distance between the DDCR and the EPM in porcine small intestine samples, the optimal driving distance and drug delivery distance were found to be 80mm and 140mm. Note to Practitioners—The proposed dual-drug-chamber DDCR can potentially address the limitations of current systems in multi-drug and multi-target GI treatments. The use of a single internal permanent magnet (IPM) for both propulsion and drug release enables precise, minimally invasive delivery of one or two drugs to different target sites within the GI tract. Its promising design with a compact structure and balloon-based drug release mechanism provides practical value for treating conditions like Crohn’s disease and gastric ulcers and offers greater flexibility and control compared to traditional methods. The external magnetic control system ensures accurate positioning and drug release, making the DDCR a promising tool for targeted therapy. Despite its potential, there are practical limitations, including the need for enhanced real-time control and adaptation to various patient anatomies. The current study demonstrates feasibility, but further research is necessary to refine the system’s accuracy in dynamic GI environments and ensure its effectiveness in clinical applications. These developments could help advance capsule endoscopy and drug delivery technology in the near to mid-term, providing more efficient and patient-friendly treatment options.