• micro robotic capsule
• ingestible capsule
• microbiota

The investigation of the intestinal microbiota composition has greatly increased in the last years because its correlation with human health and the development of pathological conditions appears evident. For this purpose, a minimally invasive device has been developed to sample the microbiota throughout the whole intestine, specifically in the small bowel which is not reachable with the traditional collection methods. The proposed ingestible capsule incorporates magnetic components that enable wireless activation of the system and in-situ sampling via mechanical brushing of the mucosa.
Accordingly, the gradual approach of an external permanent magnet at pre-modeled operating distances allows the activation of the capsule in four phases: (1) anchoring to the intestinal wall, (2) opening, (3) sampling of the intestinal mucosa and (4) closure of the device.
The final capsule design includes rigid components realized through additive manufacturing and silicone-based parts obtained by injecting the material into the molds. A series of benchtop experiments have been performed to validate its functioning.