Integrated Capsule System For Gastroinitestinal PH Triggered Sampling And Sensing

We report an integrated ingestible capsule sensing system utilizing a hybrid packaging scheme for sensing pancreatic lipase in pH-specific regions within the human gut. The system uses microfabricated capacitive sensors interfaced with Bluetooth Low-Energy (BLE)-enabled commercial electronics, allowing the capsule to connect to a mobile app. The sensors are coated with triglyceride films that insulate the surface and degrade in response to pancreatic lipase. Furthermore, the capsule utilizes a 3D printed package coated with polymers that dissolve at a specific pH for triggered opening of the sensing chamber. This device strategy represents a significant step towards using embedded packaging and triglyceride-based materials to target specific regions of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and sensing biochemical contents for disease diagnosis.