In vitro models to evaluate ingestible devices: Present status and current trends

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology and Biomedical Engineering
• Drug Delivery Systems
• Medical Device Development

Background:

• Orally ingestible medical devices present significant opportunities for diagnosing and treating gastrointestinal conditions.
• Developing these devices requires accurate models that simulate the complex gastrointestinal environment at macro and micro levels.
• Advancements in scientific technology have led to diverse in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models replicating the gastrointestinal tract.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current landscape of in vitro tools available for characterizing orally ingestible medical devices.
• To present the benefits and limitations of various in vitro models in the context of evaluating ingestible devices.
• To provide examples of model application in the evaluation of ingestible devices where available.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of existing in vitro models for ingestible device characterization.
• Analysis of model benefits, limitations, and applicability to ingestible device evaluation.
• Compilation of case examples demonstrating the use of these models.

Main Results:

• A wide range of in vitro tools exists for characterizing ingestible devices.
• Each model possesses unique benefits and limitations impacting its suitability for specific device evaluations.
• Model selection should be guided by the ingestible device's functionality and mechanism of action.

Conclusions:

• The multitude of available in vitro models offers a comprehensive suite of tools for ingestible device evaluation.
• Choosing the appropriate model is crucial and depends on the specific device's intended function and operational mechanism.
• Effective characterization using tailored in vitro models is essential for the successful development of orally ingestible medical devices.