Toward Next-Generation Ingestible Hydrogels

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Gastroenterology
• Drug Delivery

Background:

• Ingestible hydrogels are polymeric materials utilized in food and therapeutics.
• Their composition allows for programmable and dynamic properties within the gastrointestinal tract.
• Current applications are limited, but advancements offer new therapeutic potential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review commercial ingestible hydrogel products and their capabilities.
• To discuss recent advances in ingestible hydrogel technology.
• To explore future directions for ingestible hydrogels in medicine.

Main Methods:

• Review of commercial ingestible hydrogel products.
• Discussion of recent scientific literature on advanced ingestible hydrogels.
• Analysis of emerging applications including tissue-specific activity, prolonged retention, and ingestible electronics/robots.

Main Results:

• Commercial ingestible hydrogels currently offer foundational capabilities.
• Recent innovations include enhanced tissue-specific targeting and ultralong gastrointestinal retention.
• Integration with ingestible electronics and robotics is a rapidly developing area.

Conclusions:

• Advanced ingestible hydrogels show promise for managing gastrointestinal and systemic diseases.
• Key considerations for clinical translation include in vivo models, regulation, safety, and manufacturing.
• The field is poised for significant growth, expanding therapeutic options.