Wireless ingestible capsule detects 'Leaky Gut' in real-time

A team of researchers has unveiled a revolutionary ingestible bioimpedance sensing device capable of continuously and non-invasively monitoring the integrity of gastrointestinal (GI) mucosal barriers. This pioneering technology overcomes a major limitation in current diagnostic tools, which cannot assess the condition of mucosal tight junctions beyond the esophagus. With wireless bioimpedance sensing, the device provides a localized, non-invasive alternative to traditional methods like endoscopy and biopsy. It could be a game-changer for conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), offering early detection of mucosal dysfunction and improving diagnosis and management.

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, involve chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which weakens the mucosal barrier, leading to increased permeability. This "leaky gut" allows harmful substances to penetrate the intestinal lining, worsening symptoms and advancing disease progression. Existing diagnostic tools, such as endoscopy and biopsy, are invasive and limited, unable to offer real-time insights into mucosal integrity. Non-invasive molecular probes are often too general, missing localized areas of inflammation. Therefore, there is an urgent need for innovative tools that can continuously monitor mucosal function in the GI tract, providing timely and specific data.

The University of Maryland team has developed a new solution: an ingestible bioimpedance sensing capsule designed to monitor GI mucosal integrity wirelessly. Published (DOI: 10.1038/s41378-025-00877-8) in Microsystems & Nanoengineering on February 7, 2025, the study details the device's ability to detect changes in mucosal permeability—an early indicator of gut health—via a flexible, four-probe sensor coated with PEDOT:PSS, a conductive polymer that enhances charge transfer. This advancement allows for high sensitivity and stability in the often unpredictable environment of the GI tract.

The device uses electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) to track changes in tissue permeability, sending real-time data via Bluetooth. In experimental trials, it successfully distinguished between healthy and damaged tissues, such as those from excised porcine and mouse colonic specimens. The research demonstrated that the device could detect subtle changes in mucosal permeability caused by tight junction dilation, a common feature in IBD. The optimal measurement frequency of 10.5 kHz offered high sensitivity and stability, ensuring that even mild cases of inflammation could be detected. Additionally, the device wirelessly transmitted impedance data, triggering an onboard LED to indicate permeability changes—an important feature for real-time diagnostics.

"This technology represents a major step forward in the field of GI diagnostics," said Dr. Reza Ghodssi, a co-author of the study. "The ability to continuously monitor mucosal barrier integrity in a non-invasive manner could revolutionize the way we diagnose and manage conditions like IBD."

Looking ahead, this innovative bioimpedance sensing device holds the potential to transform the landscape of GI disease management. By providing continuous, non-invasive monitoring of mucosal barrier integrity, it offers more precise and timely insights compared to traditional methods. This could enable early detection of conditions like IBD, facilitating more personalized and effective treatments. Further research will focus on optimizing the device for broader clinical use and conducting trials to validate its effectiveness in patient populations. In the future, it may even extend its applications to other GI disorders, further improving patient outcomes.

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References

DOI

10.1038/s41378-025-00877-8

Original Source URL

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41378-025-00877-8

Funding information

This work was supported by the National Science Foundation ECCS program, award #1939236, and NCS program, award #1926793.

About Microsystems & Nanoengineering

Microsystems & Nanoengineering is an online-only, open access international journal devoted to publishing original research results and reviews on all aspects of Micro and Nano Electro Mechanical Systems from fundamental to applied research. The journal is published by Springer Nature in partnership with the Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, supported by the State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology.