A Wirelessly Powered Robotic Capsule Chain for Large Volume Gastrointestinal Liquid Sampling
Bella Boyd, Kaan Esendag, Liu Du, Zaneta Koszowska, Jialun Liu, Shuhei Miyashita, Dana Damian
AI summary
Problem
Existing GI sampling capsules struggle with small collection volumes, lack site-specific triggering, and often fail to reseal samples, limiting their utility for comprehensive multi-omics diagnostics.
Approach
The system uses a three-capsule chain powered by an external magnetic field to drive a DC motor and rack-and-pinion mechanism, allowing battery-free, on-demand opening and sealing of a sampling chamber.
Key results
- Reliable motor actuation up to 60 mm from the wireless power transmitter
- Effective sample chamber sealing with no leakage under simulated GI agitation
- Successful collection of up to 375 µL across fluids mimicking digestive mucus viscosity
- Demonstrated magnetic navigation and on-demand sampling in a synthetic bowel phantom
Why it matters
Provides a minimally invasive, battery-free platform for large-volume, site-specific GI fluid collection to advance personalized diagnostics and multi-omics research.
Abstract
Liquid sampling from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract offers significant diagnostic advantages. This study presents a novel magnetically actuated Robotic Capsule Chain (RCC) for large volume liquid sample collection within the GI tract. The RCC incorporates a wirelessly powered, on- demand motorized sampling mechanism that eliminates the need for onboard batteries or microcontrollers. The system demonstrated reliable operation at distances up to 60 mm from the transmitter coil. Validation experiments confirmed effective sealing of the sampling chamber and successful collection of up to 375 μL of fluids with viscosities comparable to those in the GI tract. Navigation and sampling were further demonstrated in a synthetic bowel model. These findings highlight the potential of robotic capsule chains to enable wireless, minimally invasive diagnostic procedures in the GI tract.