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. 2025 Jul 11;20(7):e0327667.
doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0327667. eCollection 2025.

An ingestible device for automated sampling and location tracing in gastrointestinal tract

Tao Li  1 , Jeremy Felton  2 , Johnathan Lewis  1 , Qisen Cheng  1 , Ryan Meredith  1 , Hsueh-Tsung Lu  1 , Alexander Benken  1 , Partha P Dutta  1 , Jinhui Liao  2 , Xiangyu D Zhao  1 , Aleksas Matvekas  2 , Jason Baker  3 , William L Hasler  3 , Andrew Babiskin  4 , Ross Walenga  4 , Lanyan Lucy Fang  4 , Robert Lionberger  4 , Manjunath P Pai  5 , Duxin Sun  2 , Yogesh B Gianchandani  1
Affiliations

An ingestible device for automated sampling and location tracing in gastrointestinal tract

Tao Li et al. PLoS One. .

Abstract

Fluids sampled from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract are of interest for evaluating the bioequivalence of oral medications, and more generally for evaluating GI-related diseases, and for profiling the individual gut microbiome. Existing options for capturing multiple fluid samples from specific locations in the GI tract are limited and invasive, particularly for the small intestine. Here, we report the development of an ingestible capsule for the collection of multiple fluid samples along the GI tract; we additionally report the use of data from sensors within the capsule to determine the sampling regions. The capsule has an ingestible size of Φ14 × 42 mm3. Within this volume, it includes three separate cartridges that capture and retain samples within capillaries; a stepper motor for positioning the sampling cartridges at a sampling port; a 3-axis accelerometer that enables a new method of correlating sample location; a microcontroller with wireless communication and sensor data storage capabilities; and batteries to power the device. We describe in vitro characterization and in vivo tests performed with canine models that have successfully verified the capabilities of the capsule. Fluid samples from the stomach, small intestine, and colon regions of the GI tract are identified by inertial measurements taken within the capsule, and correlated to measurements of the concentration of mesalamine (a drug used for testing) and the bile salt profile in each region, respectively.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Figures

Fig 1
Fig 1. The PillSamp and its design components.
a, Conceptual diagram of the PillSamp for fluid sampling from multiple locations along the human GI tract. Schematics of: b, cross-sectional view of PillSamp; c, exploded 3D model of PillSamp; d, close-up view showing integration of device cap, sampling cartridges, and front and back cartridge platforms; e, alignment between sampling port on device cap and sampling inlets on the front cartridge platform for sampling into each of the three cartridges.
Fig 2
Fig 2. The PillSamp circuit and hardware/software functions.
a, PillSamp circuit functional diagram. b, State diagram of the PillSamp software. Photos of a fabricated PillSamp flexible PCB before folding: c, topside; d, backside with a motor mounted.
Fig 3
Fig 3. The PillSamp structural components and complete device.
Photos of: a, 3D printed structural components for PillSamp; b, cartridge assembly including three foam cartridges integrated with the front and back cartridge platforms, before sealant application; assembled PillSamp, c, without, and d, with the device cap.
Fig 4
Fig 4. In vivo tests of PillSamp in hounds.
a, In vivo test flow in hound. b, Capsule transit time in hound.
Fig 5
Fig 5. In vivo tests results for the PillTrace function.
a, In vivo test flow in hound. b, recorded 3-axis acceleration data and calculated magnitude at Hour 28 during the deployment, showing modest variations that matches stomach characteristics. c, magnitude of recorded acceleration data through the duration of the deployment. Radiographs taken at d, 27 hr when the PillSamp was in stomach, and e, 33 hr when the PillSamp was in small intestine. f, Sampling foam cartridges removed from the PillSamp after the in vivo test. SI: small intestine; LI: large intestine. Known locations denoted with solid bar, uncertainty in location denoted with dashed line.
Fig 6
Fig 6. In vivo test results for bile salt concentration.
a, Stomach of hound. b, Small intestine of hound. c, Colon of hound.
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