3D Printed Pill
aimed at sampling microbiome from the small intestine
June 2023 - Present
Motivation
Current approaches for diagnosing gut illnesses and disorders involve analysis of microbiomes collected via stool samples or biopsies and surgeries. However, stool samples provide insufficient spatial insight because the gut microbiota changes significantly throughout the GI-tract. Alternatively, biopsies and surgeries are invasive, complex, and expensive procedures.
NOTE: as this research has yet to be published, I cannot write in much detail but would be happy to discuss further!
This research delves into a noninvasive approach for in vivo sampling of the small intestinal microbiome using a motorized pill. A DC motor is used to control a blade mechanism on the pill, which will collect the sample. The motor is activated via a reed switch, The pill is then collected from the patient’s stool for the sample to be analyzed.
Design & Fabrication
All of my design iterations are modeled in SolidWorks then 3D printed using a Biomed Resin with an SLA printer.
Tolerance Measurements
I had to test the different tolerances of the 3D prints to see the tolerance of the printer. Also, the motor had different measurements as specified on the datasheet because of small tolerances. Therefore, I had to measure these using a microscope available in the lab. Because we are working on such a small scale, it's important that everything fits perfectly together.
