Innovative, Cost-Effective Biosensor Pill Detects Intestinal Inflammation via Blue Dye Release

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.