Gastrointestinal Targeted Sampling and Sensing via Embedded Packaging of Integrated Capsule System

Here, we introduce a wireless platform developed to leverage biochemical characteristics of various gastrointestinal (GI) secretions to selectively dissolve pH-sensitive polymers used as coatings over a 3-D printed biocompatible capsule, allowing fluid entry into sensing chambers containing capacitive sensors. Ingestible capsule technology is increasing prevalence in autonomously accessing regions of GI that otherwise require clinical intervention. Our platform is operated using a 3.3-V power source with sensors, possessing a 0.3-220-pF dynamic range with a sensitivity of 3.2 × 10
^-3
pF/mV that relay the change in capacitance to a smart system-in-package, which is then transmitted via Bluetooth low energy to an external Android phone. The system is tested with a variety of polymers, which are used in the pharmaceutical industry, to control dissolution at different GI regions characteristic of a specific pH profile. This real-time, cost-effective, and user-friendly platform will ultimately be used to test alternative coating materials that respond to specific biomarkers present in GI secretions, offering significant potential for enhancing gut diagnostics.