Innovative, Cost-Effective Biosensor Pill Detects Intestinal Inflammation via Blue Dye Release
A new low-cost, ingestible biosensor pill from researchers at Mass General Brigham and the University of Toronto offers a simple, non-invasive way to detect intestinal inflammation by releasing a visible blue dye, promising better at-home monitoring for IBD patients.
Researchers from Mass General Brigham and the University of Toronto have developed a groundbreaking swallowable biosensor called PRIM (Pill for ROS-responsive Inflammation Monitoring) that could revolutionize how inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is monitored. This affordable, easy-to-use device aims to provide a non-invasive, at-home method for detecting intestinal inflammation, similar to checking stool color.
Current methods for monitoring gut inflammation often involve invasive and costly procedures like colonoscopies or stool tests, which can be burdensome for patients. The PRIM pill offers a simpler alternative by using a special polymer coating that responds to reactive oxygen species (ROS), chemical markers associated with inflammation. When inflammation occurs, elevated ROS levels cause the polymer to break down, releasing a visible blue dye into the stool. This visual indicator can then be easily identified by patients or healthcare providers.
In preclinical tests, the device successfully identified gut inflammation with about 78% accuracy and demonstrated promising results in rat models of colitis. The capsule remained inactive in healthy animals, confirming its stability under non-inflammatory conditions. Its production cost is estimated at under 50 cents per unit, making it a highly economical solution for widespread use.
The team is now working to adapt and refine the PRIM pill for human application, including testing in larger animal models and improving its sensitivity to detect milder inflammation. The goal is to make the device available as a low-cost, accessible tool that allows patients to monitor their condition at home, enabling earlier detection of flare-ups and better management of IBD treatments.
"This innovative device has the potential to significantly improve patient quality of life by reducing the need for invasive procedures and frequent hospital visits," said co-senior author Caitlin L. Maikawa, Ph.D. As further development continues, the PRIM pill could become a standard tool for non-invasive, affordable monitoring of intestinal inflammation.
Stay Updated with Mia's Feed
Get the latest health & wellness insights delivered straight to your inbox.
Related Articles
Innovative Bacterial Cellulose Dressings Enable Rapid Bleeding Control in Burn Wound Treatment
A novel bacterial cellulose-based dressing with thrombin anchoring has been developed for rapid bleeding control in burn wound care, demonstrating accelerated healing and high safety profile. This innovative material offers promising applications in trauma and chronic wound management.
New Insights into Why Immunotherapy Fails and How to Overcome Resistance in Cancer Treatment
New research sheds light on why immunotherapy fails in many cancer patients and introduces promising strategies to overcome treatment resistance by targeting the protein sClever-1, paving the way for more effective cancer therapies.
Nerve Cells Responsible for Pain Detection Could Offer New Strategies to Treat Lung Scarring
New research reveals pain-sensing nerve cells play a crucial role in protecting the lungs from scarring, opening potential new treatments for pulmonary fibrosis.
Link Between Circadian Clock Protein and Brain Aging: Implications for Neurodegenerative Diseases
New research unveils how targeting the circadian clock protein REV-ERBα can increase brain NAD+ levels and protect against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. This breakthrough indicates promising therapeutic possibilities for brain aging and neurodegeneration.