Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a prototype ingestible capsule designed to collect biological samples from hard-to-reach regions of the small intestine. Published in Device, the study describes a pill-shaped device containing a retractable brush that is controlled by external magnets.
In laboratory experiments using extracted pig intestines, two robotic arms equipped with magnets controlled the capsule’s position and operated its internal mechanism. The brush extended to sweep samples from the intestinal surface before retracting into the capsule. The collected material was suitable for 16S rRNA gene sequencing, a method commonly used to analyze microbial communities.
Unlike conventional capsule endoscopy, which primarily captures images, this device is designed to collect physical samples. It could eventually help researchers investigate how microbiome composition varies across different regions of the small intestine.
However, the technology remains at an early experimental stage. Further work is needed to miniaturize the capsule, extend the magnets’ operating distance through the human body and ensure samples remain protected. Clinical testing in humans has not yet been established.
Why it matters: Direct sampling of the small intestine could expand microbiome research and potentially complement existing endoscopic methods, particularly when tissue or microbial samples are difficult to obtain.