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Design and Validation of a Biosensor Implantation Capsule Robot
Wanchuan Xie1, Weston M Lewis1, Jared Kaser1
1Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, W342 Nebraska Hall, Lincoln, NE 68588-0526.
Journal of Biomechanical Engineering
|May 3, 2017
Summary
A novel swallowable implantation capsule robot (ICR) offers a noninvasive method for long-term biosensor delivery and implantation in the intestine. This robotic system shows promise for future in-body diagnostic applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Robotics
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Long-term in-body biosensing requires effective and minimally invasive implantation methods.
- Current methods often involve invasive procedures, limiting patient comfort and applicability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and validate a sensor deployment system for a swallowable implantation capsule robot (ICR).
- To achieve long-term adherence of a biosensor to the intestinal mucosa using a bio-inspired mechanical adhesion strategy.
Main Methods:
- Development of a sensor deployment system inspired by biological adhesion mechanisms (hooks/needles and suckers).
- Refinement of suction, needle attachment, and sensor ejection features through iterative design and testing.
- Experimental variation of needle sharpness, length, and vacuum volume to optimize adhesion.
Main Results:
- Preliminary testing demonstrated the feasibility of the sensor deployment system.
- No statistically significant differences were observed when varying needle sharpness, length, and vacuum volume.
- Prior work in a porcine model supports the ICR's potential for biosensor implantation in the small intestine.
Conclusions:
- The implantation capsule robot (ICR) presents a promising approach for noninvasive, long-term biosensor implantation.
- The bio-inspired sensor deployment system is effective for adhering devices to soft tissue.
- Further development could enable advanced in-vivo monitoring and diagnostics.
